US Patent 11855282 Pre-lithiated electrode materials and cells employing the same

Provided are compositions, systems, and methods of making and using pre-lithiated cathodes for use in lithium ion secondary cells as the means of supplying extra lithium to the cell. The chemically or electrochemically pre-lithiated cathodes include cathode active material that is pre-lithiated prior to assembly into an electrochemical cell. The process of producing pre-lithiated cathodes includes contacting a cathode active material to an electrolyte, the electrolyte further contacting a counter electrode lithium source and applying an electric potential or current to the cathode active material and the lithium source thereby pre-lithiating the cathode active material with lithium. An electrochemical cell is also provided including the pre-lithiated cathode, an anode, a separator and an electrolyte.