Direct observation of internal short circuits by lithium dendrites in cross-sectional lithium-ion in situ full cells

Li metal deposition is one of the most common aging mechanisms in Lithium-Ion Batteries. Li metal is deposited in dendritic structures, which might cause an internal short circuit (ISC). Using a novel cross-sectional in situ optical microscopic method, Hogrefe et al. directly observed Li deposition and ISC in Li-ion full cells. Four different cases, (i) lithiation gradients without Li metal deposition, (ii) Li metal deposition without ISC, (iii) Li metal deposition with ISC by a dendrite growing above the separator, and (iv) Li metal deposition with ISC induced by mechanical closing of separator pores, are investigated and analyzed.

For more information, please check out Hogrefe et al., Journal of Power Sources 556 (2023) 232391 under following Link:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378775322013684