Work

Observation of Lithium Dendrites at Ambient Temperature and Below

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: Lithium-ion batteries are prone to failure at low temperatures and dendrite growth during charging is one suspect. We attempt to understand lithium dendrite growth by observing their number, initiation time and growth rate at ambient and sub-ambient temperatures: −10°C, 5°C, and 20°C using an in-situ optical microscopy cell (Li 0 |Li 0 ). We find that while dendrites initiate quickly at −10°C, the cells at 5°C short-circuit most rapidly due in part to a favorable morphology at this temperature. The experimental approach has broad applicability to other electrochemical energy storage technologies where mass transport limitations are present at low temperatures, particularly Li-air, Li-S, and Zn-air batteries.

Source: ECS Electrochemistry Letters

DOI: 10.1149/2.0041502eel

Authors: C. T. Love, O. A. Baturina, K. E. Swider-Lyons

Institutions: United States Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory Chemistry Division

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Office of Naval Research