Solid State Batteries

Anode-Free Solid-State – Anode Plating and Stripping Mechanisms One promise of solid-state batteries is anode free architectures. Understanding the mechanisms of anode plating and stripping is critical to fulfilling this promise. In anode-free cells, lithium plating and stripping cause large volume changes at the current-collector/solid-state electrolyte interface, generating significant mechanical stresses. Because these cells contain no excess lithium, any lithium loss also has a greater impact on performance than in conventional designs. Achieving uniform lithium deposition depends on several factors, including current density, applied pressure, temperature, current-collector and electrolyte thickness, material homogeneity, and interfacial surface morphology. In contrast, uniform lithium removal during discharge is primarily governed by current density and the ability to maintain a homogeneous stripping environment.

Understanding the mechanisms of lithium plating and stripping in anode-free solid state batteries is critical to unlocking the full promised potential of solid state batteries.

Source: Sandoval, S.E., Haslam, C.G., Vishnugopi, B.S. et al. Electro-chemo-mechanics of anode-free solid-state batteries. Nat. Mater. 24, 673681 2025

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