Computational Study of Cycling Effects on Dendrite Growth in Lithium Metal Batteries

Dendrite growth is an ongoing challenge on the anode surface in lithium metal batteries. Over multiple charge and discharge cycles dendritic growth leads to a decrease in battery performance and increased safety issues due to short circuiting. The morphology and growth rate of dendrites depend on a number of factors including the rate and depth of charge/discharge. In this work a computational model of dendrite growth at the interface is used to investigate the effects of cycling on dendrite growth rate and morphology. The model resolves the interfacial chemical-physical processes and simulates multiple charge and discharge cycles. Results show that dendrite growth depends on both the charging and discharging cycles, which can lead to heterogeneous growth patterns based on the levels of deposition and dissolution of lithium during the cycles.