The performance of solid electrolytes is hindered by instabilities caused by the formation of lithium intrusions. The mechanism responsible for these intrusions is not well understood. Experiments with a scanning electron microscopy setup revealed that applied stresses can control the probability of intrusion formation and influence the propagation behaviour.
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References
Porz, L. et al. Mechanism of lithium metal penetration through inorganic solid electrolytes. Adv. Energy Mater. 7, 1701003 (2017). A paper that asserts that lithium intrusion growth is driven by mechanical fractures.
Han, F. et al. High electronic conductivity as the origin of lithium dendrite formation within solid electrolytes. Nat. Energy 4, 187–196 (2019). An article claiming that lithium intrusions form inside solid electrolytes owing to electronic leakage effects.
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Krauskopf, T. et al. The fast charge transfer kinetics of the lithium metal anode on the garnet‐type solid electrolyte Li6.25 Al0.25 La3 Zr2 O12. Adv. Energy Mater. 10, 2000945 (2020). An article examining lithium plating on pristine LLZO surfaces using a microprobe technique inside a SEM.
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This is a summary of: McConohy, G. et al. Mechanical regulation of lithium intrusion probability in garnet solid electrolytes. Nat. Energy https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-022-01186-4 (2023).
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Applied stress can control lithium intrusions in solid electrolytes. Nat Energy 8, 228–229 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-023-01210-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-023-01210-1