Loss of lithium inventory (LLI)

LLI refers to the phenomenon where the number of lithium ions that can participate in reversible charge-discharge reactions in lithium-ion batteries decreases during use, leading to irreversible capacity degradation. Although the cathode and anode materials still maintain structural integrity, LLI results in an insufficient ‘bridge’ of lithium ions between them, thereby limiting the normal storage and retrieval of energy. LLI is one of the most critical degradation mechanisms in the early and long-term aging process of lithium batteries.