Nucleation of Electrodeposited Lithium Metal: Dendritic Growth and the Effect of Co-Deposited Sodium

Higher energy density batteries are desired, especially for mobile electronic devices. Lithium metal anodes are a possible route to achieving high energy and power density due to their light weight compared to current graphite anodes. However, whisker growth during lithium electrodeposition (i.e. charging) represents a serious safety and efficiency concern for both lithium metal batteries and overcharging of graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The initial morphology of deposited lithium nuclei can have a significant impact on the bulk material deposited. The nucleation of lithium metal from an organic ethylene carbonate: dimethyl carbonate (EC:DMC) and an ionic liquid (trimethylbutylammonium bis(triflouromethanesulfonyl)imide) electrolyte has been studied. Whisker extrusion and tip-based dendrite growth was observed ex-situ, and confirmed by in-situ optical microscopy experiments. The nucleation of a non-dendritic sodium co-deposit is also discussed. A model based on nuclei geometry is provided which gives insight into the deposition rate at constant overpotential.