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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
08:28
In situ TEM of Biological Assemblies in Liquid
Published on: December 30, 2013
10.6K
Direct Visualization of Li Dendrite Effect on LiCoO2 Cathode by In Situ TEM
Zhenzhong Yang1, Phuong-Vu Ong1, Yang He2
1Physical and Computational Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, 99354, USA.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|November 7, 2018
Summary
Lithium dendrites severely damage rechargeable batteries. This study visualizes lithium metal reacting with LiCoO2 cathodes, revealing a chemical reaction causing pulverization and forming Li2O and Co metal, crucial for battery design.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Lithium dendrites cause critical failures in rechargeable lithium batteries.
- Mechanisms of cathode failure upon contact with lithium metal remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize and understand the atomic-scale interaction between lithium metal and LiCoO2 cathode material.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of cathode degradation upon lithium metal contact.
Main Methods:
- In situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for atomic-scale visualization.
- Dynamic structural and chemical imaging.
- Ab initio simulations.
Main Results:
- Direct visualization of a spontaneous chemical reaction between Li metal and LiCoO2.
- Observed expansion and pulverization of LiCoO2, forming Li2O and Co metal.
- Identified a topotactic phase transition to CoO and formation of grain/antiphase boundaries.
Conclusions:
- The study reveals fundamental insights into Li metal-cathode interactions.
- Grain and antiphase boundaries are critical for reaction propagation.
- Findings guide the design of more robust energy materials and mitigation of dendrite issues.
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