In Situ Observation of Lithium Dendrite of Different Graphite Electrodes

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have some serious safety problems, such as lithium dendrite formation during charging/discharging cycles that may cause internal short-circuiting, fires, and even explosions. A new double-scale in situ experimental setup, which can record all phenomena during the electrochemical testing, was developed. Lithium dendrite growth behavior of commercial LIBs during small-current-density charging at room temperature was observed in situ. The formation, growth, and dissolution of lithium dendrites, and dead lithium residue were all observed and recorded using this new experimental test system. A detailed model of lithium electrodeposition and dissolution processes was proposed.