Lithium ion cell having improved ageing behavior

A method of producing an electrochemical cell comprising combining

• at least one positive electrode containing a metal compound capable of reversibly incorporating and releasing lithium in the form of ions,
• at least one negative electrode containing a carbon compound capable of reversibly incorporating or releasing lithium in the form of ions, and a metal or semimetal that can be alloyed with lithium, and
• an electrolyte to form an electrochemical cell comprising a composite of flat electrodes and a separator impregnated with the electrolyte, and subsequently subjected to a complete charge/discharge cycle, wherein
• the capacity of the at least one negative electrode for taking up lithium is dimensioned to a size exceeding a corresponding capacity of the at least one positive electrode at least by a factor of 1.2,
• lithium is introduced into the electrochemical cell such that an amount of mobile lithium contained in the cell available for incorporation and releasing processes in the electrodes exceeds, after formation, the capacity of the at least one positive electrode for taking up lithium at least by a factor of 1.1,
• the at least one negative electrode in terms of its capacity for taking up lithium is dimensioned to a size sufficient to be capable of taking up the entire mobile lithium contained in the cell after formation, and
• the lithium is introduced at least partially into the electrochemical cell via the at least one negative electrode by pre-lithiating the at least one negative electrode prior to combination with the at least one positive electrode or by applying metallic lithium on a surface of the at least one negative electrode.