Thermal–Materials Synergy for Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

Fast charging of energy-dense lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) remains a formidable challenge, primarily constrained by lithium plating─a hazardous degradation mode exacerbated by low temperatures and thick electrode architectures. Preventing plating requires materials with high-rate capabilities of charge-transfer and ion-transport; however, such materials often suffer from poor thermal or electrochemical stability, resulting in an inherent activity–stability trade-off. This Perspective examines the origins of this dilemma and proposes that temperature─traditionally viewed as a degradation stressor─can be harnessed as a tool. We highlight how asymmetric temperature modulation enables brief high-temperature operation to enhance reaction kinetics while limiting long-term degradation, shifting the paradigm from passive thermal protection to active thermal control. Leveraging this, we propose a thermal–materials synergistic strategy centered on rapid temperature modulation and complemented by materials designed for high-temperature resilience. These advances offer a blueprint for enabling safe, reliable, and rapid charging of energy-dense cells across diverse climates.