Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The morphology of electrochemically deposited lithium (Li) critically governs the cycling stability and safety of Li metal batteries, yet the underlying controlling factors remain poorly understood. Even within the same coin cell, Li deposits can exhibit strikingly different morphologies, for example, sparse whiskers coexisting with particle-like deposits, indicting strong local variations in growth conditions. By combining cryogenic transmission electron microscopy with phase-field modeling, here we identify the root cause of this disparity. We reveal that the morphological divergence originates from the variations in structure and chemical composition of the initial SEI layer formed on the copper (Cu) substrate. Solvent-derived organic SEI favors whisker growth, whereas salt-derived SEI promotes particle formation. This study establishes a direct mechanistic link between SEI chemomechanical properties and Li morphology, providing design principles for tailoring SEI layers to control Li deposition.
Source: Advanced Materials
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $6,070
Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Commerce, Battelle, Washington State University, Vehicle Technologies Program, Division of Materials Research, Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation, Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems, Biological and Environmental Research, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Awards: G1202769797, G125460123, G138090931, G1899721271, G2506945562, G2510423872, Skin-Inspired Mechanics of Liquid Metal - Elastomer Composites as Super Soft, Stretchable, and Tough Conductors, G2820049545, G2988778103, G391136020, G495867719, G5321382714, G5373841109, G5653134238, G5726405315, Ferroelectric Gradient Microfoams as High-Performance Self-Powered Flexible Pressure Sensors, G7560550554
OpenAlex ID: W7128950804