Dendrite initiation and propagation in lithium metal solid-state batteries

What causes dendrite failure in lithium metal solid-state batteries?

Analysis of dendrite initiation, owing to filling of pores with lithium by means of microcracks, and propagation, caused by wedge opening, shows that there are two separate processes during dendrite failure of lithium metal solid-state batteries.

What causes dendrite formation in solid-state batteries?

Dendrite formation in solid-state batteries arising from lithium plating and electrolyte reduction. All-solid-state batteries offer high-energy-density and eco-friendly energy storage but face commercial hurdles due to dendrite formation, especially with lithium metal anodes. Here we report that…

How do dendrites separate initiation from propagation?

Our model of dendrites not only separates initiation from propagation but the propagation part of the model also explains how, if stresses in the cell induce cracking of the electrolyte and lithium metal finds its way into such pre-existing cracks, the cracks would propagate and induce failure.

What causes dendrite cracks in lithium ion batteries?

The new imaging study revealed that the initiation and propagation of the dendrite cracks are separate processes, driven by a distinct underlying mechanism. Dendrite cracks initiate when lithium accumulates in sub-surface pores. When those pores become full, further charging of the battery increases the pressure, leading to cracking.

Does plating lead to dendrite formation in lithium anode solid electrolyte cells?

Ning, Z. et al. Visualizing plating-induced cracking in lithium-anode solid-electrolyte cells. Nat. Mater. 20, 1121–1129 (2021). Kasemchainan, J. et al. Critical stripping current leads to dendrite formation on plating in lithium anode solid electrolyte cells.

Can Li dendrites penetrate solid electrolytes?

Li dendrites penetration through solid electrolytes (SEs) challenges the development of solid‐state Li batteries (SSLBs). To date, significant efforts are devoted to understand the mechanistic… In Situ Optical Observation of Lithium Dendrite Pattern in Solid Polymer Electrolytes.