In Situ Scanning Electron Microscopy Characterization of the Mechanism for Li Dendrite Growth

Tang, Chao; Dillon, Shen J.

doi:10.1149/2.0891608jes

Cited by 55 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 43 publications

(59 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…4 B and C). This morphology is consistent with recent works where lithium is electrodeposited in high-vacuum conditions and with polyethylene oxide solid polymer electrolytes where there are no inhibitors present in the form of electrolyte solvent or additives (45,46). As the inhibition intensity increases, basis-oriented reproduction-type deposits are observed and are characterized by a large number of elongated crystals perpendicular to the substrate, forming a coherent deposit (42) (Fig.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 91%

Strong texturing of lithium metal in batteries

Shi

Pei

Vailionis

et al. 2017

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

203

179

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Lithium, with its high theoretical specific capacity and lowest electrochemical potential, has been recognized as the ultimate negative electrode material for next-generation lithium-based high-energy-density batteries. However, a key challenge that has yet to be overcome is the inferior reversibility of Li plating and stripping, typically thought to be related to the uncontrollable morphology evolution of the Li anode during cycling. Here we show that Li-metal texturing (preferential crystallographic orientation) occurs during electrochemical deposition, which governs the morphological change of the Li anode. X-ray diffraction pole-figure analysis demonstrates that the texture of Li deposits is primarily dependent on the type of additive or cross-over molecule from the cathode side. With adsorbed additives, like LiNO and polysulfide, the lithium deposits are strongly textured, with Li (110) planes parallel to the substrate, and thus exhibit uniform, rounded morphology. A growth diagram of lithium deposits is given to connect various texture and morphology scenarios for different battery electrolytes. This understanding of lithium electrocrystallization from the crystallographic point of view provides significant insight for future lithium anode materials design in high-energy-density batteries.

show abstract

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 91%

Strong texturing of lithium metal in batteries

Shi

Pei

Vailionis

et al. 2017

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

203

179

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The elastic stiffness of the polymers decreases significantly at higher temperature [12], and needle-like dendrites can easily grow resulting in a short circuit [13,14]. Cycling with stiff SEI layers on top of lithium metal results in low coulombic efficiency [6], and rupture of the SEI leads to dendrite growth [15,16]. Deterioration of the interfacial resistance between lithium metal and robust separators render them less useful over multiple cycles [17,18].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Lithium dendrite growth mechanisms in polymer electrolytes and prevention strategies

Barai

Higa

Srinivasan

2017

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.

259

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Future lithium-ion batteries must use lithium metal anodes to fulfill the demands of high energy density applications with the potential to enable affordable electric cars with 350-mile range. However, dendrite growth during charging prevents the commercialization of this technology. It has been demonstrated that the presence of a compressive mechanical stress field around a dendritic protrusion prevents growth. Several techniques based on this concept, such as protective layers, externally applied pressure and solid electrolytes have been investigated by other researchers. Because of the low coulombic efficiencies associated with the stiff protective layers and high-pressure conditions, implementation of these techniques in commercial cells is complicated. Polymer-based solid electrolytes demonstrate better efficiency and capacity retention capabilities. However, dendrite growth is still possible in polymer electrolytes at higher current densities. The simulations described in this article provide guidance on the conditions under which dendrite growth is possible in polymer cells and targets for material properties needed for dendrite prevention. Increasing the elastic modulus of the electrolyte prevents the growth of dendritic protrusions in two ways: (i) higher compressive mechanical stress leads to reduced exchange current density at the protrusion peak compared to the valley, and (ii) plastic deformation of lithium metal results in reduction of the height of the dendritic protrusion. A phase map is constructed, showing the range of operation (applied current) and design (electrolyte elastic modulus) parameters that corresponds to stable lithium deposition. It is found that increasing the yield strength of the polymer electrolyte plays a significant role in preventing dendrite growth in lithium metal anodes, providing a new avenue for further exploration.

show abstract

“…Both the tip-growth and bottom-growth modes of Li dendrites have been reported in the literature. 15,16,[31][32][33][34][35][36] Dendritic metal deposition can involve the long-range diffusion-limited mechanism associated with a well-known characteristic "Sand's time". [31][32][33] In this case, Li dendrites mainly form via the tip-growth mode caused by a severe scarce of Li ions in liquid electrolytes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

In situ observation of cracking and self-healing of solid electrolyte interphases during lithium deposition

Yang

Tang

et al. 2021

Science Bulletin

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The growth of lithium (Li) whiskers is detrimental to Li batteries. However, it remains a challenge to directly track Li whisker growth. Here we report in situ observations of electrochemically induced Li deposition under a CO2 atmosphere inside an environmental transmission electron microscope. We nd that the morphology of individual Li deposits is strongly in uenced by the competing processes of cracking and self-healing of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). When cracking overwhelms self-healing, the directional growth of Li whiskers predominates. In contrast, when self-healing dominates over cracking, the isotropic growth of round Li particles prevails. The Li deposition rate and SEI constituent can be tuned to control the Li morphologies. We reveal a new "weak-spot" mode of Li dendrite growth, which is attributed to the operation of the Bardeen-Herring growth mechanism in the whisker's cross section. This work has implications for the control of Li dendrite growth in Li batteries.

show abstract

In Situ Scanning Electron Microscopy Characterization of the Mechanism for Li Dendrite Growth

Cited by 55 publications

References 43 publications

Strong texturing of lithium metal in batteries

Strong texturing of lithium metal in batteries

Lithium dendrite growth mechanisms in polymer electrolytes and prevention strategies

In situ observation of cracking and self-healing of solid electrolyte interphases during lithium deposition

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About