Solid-state batteries present a promising advancement for rechargeable power sources in devices like electric vehicles and mobile phones. Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries incorporate solid materials, enhancing safety by being non-combustible and mechanically robust. However, a key challenge has been the growth of lithium dendrites during charging cycles, which can bridge the battery’s electrodes and lead to short circuits.
Research led by Rüdiger Berger employs advanced microscopy techniques to explore where and how lithium dendrites initiate growth within the solid electrolyte. The team focused on “grain boundaries,” which form irregular atomic structures in the ceramic during production. Their findings revealed that electron accumulation occurs primarily at the negative pole during charging, causing lithium ions to reduce and deposit, leading to dendrite formation. Notably, dendrite growth was observed exclusively at the negative pole, providing insights crucial for future battery designs.
Understanding these growth mechanisms aims to inform strategies to mitigate dendrite formation, paving the way for safer solid-state batteries suitable for a variety of applications.
