Solid-state Li batteries failure analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Use of SEM imaging to understand the effects of gold thin-films as an interface modifier to improve inhomogeneity caused by Li dissolution in solid-state lithium batteries.

SEM imaging is used to understand the effects of gold thin-films as an interface modifier to improve Li dissolution in solid-state lithium batteries. Inhomogeneous (Li-solid electrolyte) interfaces result in lower Li metal utilization. Interface modification is employed to overcome these issues. SEM imaging helps understand morphological changes in Li deposition with and without the interface modifier.

SEM imaging provides for rapid visual qualification of Li deposition and thin-film analysis at micro and nanoscale. Figure 1 shows the schematic of the deposition process. SEM’s secondary electron imaging provides morphological information of the deposition with inhomogeneous interfaces. However, using gold thin-films forms Li-Au alloy which significantly improves the Li-solid electrolyte interface’s homogeneity (Fig. 2).

Solid-state batteries are at the forefront of improving the energy storage capacity of electric vehicles. Understanding key material and electrochemical properties are crucial in the development of next-generation storage cells. Infinita Lab’s vast network of materials testing labs and experts enables us to produce reliable, reproducible, high precision measurements using cutting-edge metrology techniques.