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Lithium self-discharge and its prevention: direct visualization through in-situ electrochemical scanning transmission electron microscopy

Journal Article · · ACS Nano
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [4];  [5];  [1];  [6];  [2]
  1. Sandia National Laboratories
  2. Sandia National Laboratory
  3. University of Texas at Austin
  4. Argonne National Laboratory
  5. anl
  6. BATTELLE (PACIFIC NW LAB)
+ Show Author Affiliations

Direct visualization of lithium metal deposition and stripping behavior is presented through in-situ electrochemical scanning transmission electron microscopy (EC-STEM) and bulk-cell electrochemistry experiments in a recently-developed and promising new electrolyte (4?M lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide in 1,2-dimethoxyethane). Our experiments reveal Li deposition and stripping behavior with relatively low Coulombic efficiency and inhomogeneous morphology relative to previous coin cell studies in the same electrolyte. We show that the morphology and Coulombic efficiency of the Li deposits in 4M LiFSI/DME is strongly dependent on the presence of a separator and mechanical pressure, as confirmed through bulk (not in TEM) electrochemical experiments. Furthermore, during the in-situ EC-STEM experiments, we observed direct evidence of self-discharge in 4M LiFSI/DME when no pressure applied to the cells. This self-discharge is suppressed by Li0.7Al0.3S protection coatings, as evidenced through EC-STEM and confirmed with coin cell data.

Research Organization:
Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) (United States). Nanostructures for Electrical Energy Storage (NEES); Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
1512704
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-126586
Journal Information:
ACS Nano, Vol. 11, Issue 11
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Cited By (10)

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Fast galvanic lithium corrosion involving a Kirkendall-type mechanism January 2019
Rethinking How External Pressure Can Suppress Dendrites in Lithium Metal Batteries January 2019
Atomic and Molecular Layer Deposition for Superior Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: Strategies, Performance, and Mechanisms May 2018
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Atomic and Molecular Layer Deposition for Superior Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: Strategies, Performance, and Mechanisms June 2018

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