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Interfacial excess charge dynamics as a quantitative descriptor to understand lithium dendrite growth
Xuezhong Li1,2, Genming Lai3, Wei Deng4,5
1Advanced Energy Storage Technology Research Center, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
Nature Communications
|April 30, 2026
Summary
Understanding lithium dendrite growth in lithium metal batteries is key. This study introduces a new factor to quantify interfacial charge dynamics, leading to electrolytes that prevent dendrite formation and ensure stable battery cycling.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Lithium dendrite growth is a major obstacle for lithium metal battery safety and longevity.
- Previous research often analyzed diffusion-reaction mismatches or electrode surface charge separately, neglecting their coupled nanoscale interfacial effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a quantitative descriptor, the interfacial excess charge distribution factor, for understanding Li dendrite growth.
- To develop an electrochemical method for monitoring Li dendrite growth rates.
- To elucidate the competitive interfacial processes governing Li dendrite formation.
Main Methods:
- Introduced the interfacial excess charge distribution factor, integrating electrode surface charge, charge depletion rate, and solvation chemistry.
- Developed an electrochemical method to monitor Li dendrite growth.
- Designed and tested a novel electrolyte with optimized charge redistribution capability.
Main Results:
- Electrolytes with rapid excess charge redistribution ability promote planar lithium plating.
- Interfacial excess charge dynamics are determined by the interplay of charge depletion rates (Li⁺-dipole-anion interactions) and electrode excess charge (solvation structures, cation screening).
- The optimized electrolyte successfully suppressed dendrite formation and enabled stable cycling in large-format lithium metal batteries (~6.4 Ah).
Conclusions:
- The interfacial excess charge distribution factor provides mechanistic insight into Li dendrite growth.
- Competitive interfacial processes significantly dictate Li dendrite formation.
- Optimized electrolyte design based on charge redistribution principles enhances lithium metal battery performance and safety.
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