In situ observation of solid electrolyte interphase evolution in a lithium metal battery

Lithium metal is a favorable anode material in all-solid Li-polymer batteries because of its high energy density. However, dendrite formation on lithium metal causes safety concerns. Here we obtain images of the Li-metal anode surface during cycling using in situ scanning electron microscopy. Constructing videos from the images enables us to monitor the failure mechanism of the battery. Our results show the formation of dendrites on the edge of the anode and isles of decomposed lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide on the grain boundaries. Cycling at high rates results in the opening of the grain boundaries and depletion of lithium in the vicinity of the isles. We also observe changes in the surface morphology of the polymer close to the anode edge. Extrusion of lithium from these regions could be evidence of polymer reduction due to a local increase in temperature and thermal runaway assisting in dendrite formation. Dendrite formation on lithium metal anodes jeopardizes the safety of lithium ion batteries. Here the authors use in situ scanning electron microscopy to follow the evolution of dendrites and isles of a conductive salt forming on the anode surface, causing the battery to fault.