Visualizing the morphological and compositional evolution of the interface of InLi-anode|thio-LISION electrolyte in an all-solid-state Li–S cell by in operando synchrotron X-ray tomography and energy dispersive diffraction

Dynamic and direct visualization of interfacial evolution is helpful in gaining fundamental knowledge of all solid state lithium battery working degradation mechanisms and clarifying future research directions for constructing next generation batteries. Herein, in situ and in operando synchrotron X ray tomography and energy dispersive diffraction were simultaneously employed to record the morphological and compositional evolution of the interface of InLi anode sulfidesolid electrolyte during battery cycling. Compelling morphological evidence of interfacial degradation during all solid state lithium battery operation has been directly visualized by tomographic measurement. The accompanying energy dispersive diffraction results agree well with the observed morphological deterioration and the recorded electrochemical performance. It is concluded from the current investigation that a fundamental understanding of the phenomena occurring at the solid solid electrode electrolyte interface during all solid state lithium battery cycling is critical for future progress in cell performance improvement andmay determine its final commercial viability