Method for alkaliating electrodes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for lithiation of an intercalation-based anode or a non-reactive plating-capable foil or a reactive alloy capable anode, whereby utilization of said lithiated intercalation-based anode or a plating-capable foil or reactive alloy capable anode in a rechargeable battery or electrochemical cell results in an increased amount of lithium available for cycling, and an improved reversible capacity during charge and discharge.

1 . A method for pre-lithiation of a material comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a material;   (b) providing a bath comprising gamma-butyrolactone and at least one dissolved lithium halide salt, wherein said bath contacts the material and wherein a dry gas blanket covers said bath;   (c) providing an electrolytic field plate comprising an inert conductive material wherein said field plate establishes a field between the material and the electrolytic field plate; and   (d) applying a reducing current to the material and an oxidizing current to the electrolytic field plate, wherein lithium ions from the bath lithiate into the material.   
     
     
         2 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the process is continuous.