Excess reserves are when banks choose to hold greater reserves than the law requires. In other words, if the law said ABC Bank had to hold 3% of their depositors $100M in reserve, legally they are only required to hold $3M in reserve. If they choose to hold $5M in reserve, that is excess reserves.
What praytell do you think QE is if not lending to banks?
QE is the Fed buying, not the Fed lending.