Li Metal

In late 2020, researchers from University of Michigan investigated the feasibility of an anode-free SSB architecture with Li coming solely from the cathode. They successfully demonstrated a high coulombic efficiency for Li stripping (>99.9%). However, the operating current densities were relatively low and the cells were prone to dendrite growth. A 2022 study by researchers at Justus-Liebig-University Giessen investigated this issue of dendrite growth at such low current densities. They hypothesize that one of the prime culprits is heterogenous plating of Li metal during the first charge. Their work suggests that using a thicker current collector and an optimised plating current density helps in homogenizing lithium plating by decreasing the probability of Li whisker penetration through the current collector and solid electrolyte.

An optimal current collector thickness and Li plating protocol can help prevent dendrite formation in anode-free solid-state batteries 170

Research: Li metal Source: Fuchs, ecker, Haslam, Lerch, Sakamoto, Richter, and Janek; Wang, Carmona, Gupta, Albertus, and Sakamoto

Volta Foundation

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