EBSD-coupled indentation: nanoscale mechanics of lithium metal

Lithium magnesium alloys: a framework for investigating lithium alloy anodes for solid state batteries

“…In this case 6 Li enrichment was necessary, but for most intermetallic phases 7 Li may be used. Once high diffusivity phases are found, the challenge of optimising the microstructure of the alloy to maximise the impact of these phases can be pursued.…”

“…To characterise the underlying grain structure, the samples were mapped using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). This was achieved by using microtome blades to prepare flat surfaces [7]. Representative maps of as-cast samples, allowed to solidify from 450 • C outside of the furnace, are shown in Fig.…”

“…alloy measured with the motional narrowing of 7 Li peaks [45]. The increase in activation energy with increasing magnesium content is attributable to the closer atomic packing of the alloys than pure lithium.…”

“…remaining contact area leading to lithium filament formation [5]. Due to lithium's high nanoscale hardness [6,7], these filaments propagating through cracks drive electrolyte fracture [8,9]. At the interface with the solid electrolyte, lithium's high reactivity leads to detrimental surface reactions [10] forming a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) which can adversely impact battery performance [11].…”

“…4. This measurement is challenging 361 in naturally isotopic lithium due to the combination 362 of slow ionic diffusion and fast 7 Li spin relaxation 363 caused by a large quadrupolar interaction [42].To 364 measure diffusivity in the magnesium alloy samples, 365 6 Li enriched alloy samples were synthesised using the same procedure as the normal alloys. The 6 Li isotope has a much smaller nuclear electric quadrupole moment and therefore a longer relaxation time [43].…”