Issue 33, 2017

Investigating the evolving microstructure of lithium metal electrodes in 3D using X-ray computed tomography

Abstract

The growth of electrodeposited lithium microstructures on metallic lithium electrodes has prevented their use in rechargeable lithium batteries due to early performance degradation and safety implications. Understanding the evolution of lithium microstructures during battery operation is crucial for the development of an effective and safe rechargeable lithium-metal battery. This study employs both synchrotron and laboratory X-ray computed tomography to investigate the morphological evolution of the surface of metallic lithium electrodes during a single cell discharge and over numerous cycles, respectively. The formation of surface pits and the growth of mossy lithium deposits through the separator layer are characterised in three-dimensions. This has provided insight into the microstructural evolution of lithium-metal electrodes during rechargeable battery operation, and further understanding of the importance of separator architecture in mitigating lithium dendrite growth.

Graphical abstract: Investigating the evolving microstructure of lithium metal electrodes in 3D using X-ray computed tomography

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
02 May 2017
Accepted
25 Jul 2017
First published
25 Jul 2017

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017,19, 22111-22120

Investigating the evolving microstructure of lithium metal electrodes in 3D using X-ray computed tomography

O. O. Taiwo, D. P. Finegan, J. M. Paz-Garcia, D. S. Eastwood, A. J. Bodey, C. Rau, S. A. Hall, D. J. L. Brett, P. D. Lee and P. R. Shearing, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 22111 DOI: 10.1039/C7CP02872E

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