Tuesday publication post! 📖 This newest article by Walid Dachraoui, Ruben-Simon Kühnel, Nico Kummer, Corsin Battaglia and Rolf Erni uses the Poseidon AX system to observe solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and lithium dendrite behavior during battery operation, in real time and at the nanoscale!
In this published work in ACS Nano, the authors investigate how the widely used electrolyte additive fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) influences SEI growth, structure, and its impact on lithium metal deposition and dissolution. To complement these operando studies, ex situ analysis of the samples were done under inert conditions and analyzed using the Protochips #InspectionHolder, enabling high-resolution imaging and EDS while preserving the sample without air exposure!
Key highlights:
🔬 Real-time imaging of SEI formation and lithium dendrite growth during battery cycling
🔋 Early decomposition of FEC leading to LiF nanoparticle nucleation and a dense, uniform SEI
💧 Identification of structural defects in LiF nanoparticles that may influence ionic and electronic transport
💠 FEC-rich electrolytes promoting short, dense Li deposits with complete dissolution
⚡ FEC-free electrolytes resulting in long Li whiskers and incomplete dissolution, leaving inactive lithium behind
This study highlights how FEC influences the stability of Li plating/stripping which can lead to optimization in electrolyte design!
Want to read the entire work? Find it here!
https://www.doi.org10.1021/acsnano.5c01460
