Growth Mechanism of Micro/Nano Metal Dendrites and Cumulative Strategies for Countering Its Impacts in Metal Ion Batteries: A Review

Abstract

Metal-ion batteries are capable of delivering high energy density with a longer lifespan. However, they are subject to several issues limiting their utilization. One critical impediment is the budding and extension of solid protuberances on the anodic surface, which hinders the cell functionalities. These protuberances expand continuously during the cyclic processes, extending through the separator sheath and leading to electrical shorting. The progression of a protrusion relies on a number of in situ and ex situ factors that can be evaluated theoretically through modeling or via laboratory experimentation. However, it is essential to identify the dynamics and mechanism of protrusion outgrowth. This review article explores recent advances in alleviating metal dendrites in battery systems, specifically alkali metals. In detail, we address the challenges associated with battery breakdown, including the underlying mechanism of dendrite generation and swelling. We discuss the feasible solutions to mitigate the dendrites, as well as their pros and cons, highlighting future research directions. It is of great importance to analyze dendrite suppression within a pragmatic framework with synergy in order to discover a unique solution to ensure the viability of present (Li) and future-generation batteries (Na and K) for commercial use.

Mitigating Lithium Dissolution and Polysulfide Shuttle Effect Phenomena using a Polymer Composite Layer Coating on Anode in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

“…A pure lithium metal is an ideal anode material; however, the significant volume change due to the dendritic growth can lead to the pulverization of the anode and the expansion of the cell case, which may cause sudden failure and a serious safety hazard. [30,31] To avoid the cell expansion, use of non-lithium anode is an alternative approach out of the primary dilemma of lithium metal anode. Various lithium sources such as lithium chloride (LiCl), lithium hydroxide (LiOH), lithium cobalt (LiCo), lithium oxide (LiO), and lithium metal were used as additives for a passive pre-lithiation to improve initial coulombic efficiency.…”

An overview into advantages and applications of conventional and unconventional hydro(solvo)thermal approaches for novel advanced materials design

“…Particularly, the classical nucleation theory stipulates the balance existing between the volume and the surface energy in the formation of the nuclei of the new phase, the density fluctuations resulting from the stochastic process are due to random collisions of the dissolved constituents, which is, of course, originated from a particular association of monomers in a stage of pseudo-equilibrium [208,[225][226][227][228]. Therefore, the contributions of factors directly related to the interaction between ions on the surface (counter ions, surfactants, and so on) are responsible for minimizing energy in specific crystallographic planes [222,229,230].…”

Dendrite formation in electrochemical energy storage systems

“…Li-sulfur batteries are better, but they come with their own set of challenges and restrictions. For sulfur-based cathodes, the shuttle mechanism is the main disadvantage [34][35]. Since sulfur is not conductive, the electrode must stay in close contact with a conductive layer (like carbon) if high efficiency is the goal.…”

“…In addition, passivation layers raise questions about the Li electrode's security. Periodic charge and discharge cycles in Li-sulfur batteries may lead to the growth of spike-like deposits (dendrites) on the surface of the Li anode, significantly lowering the battery's performance [35].…”