<p>The
use of interfacial layers to stabilize the lithium surface is a popular
research direction for improving the morphology of deposited lithium and
suppressing lithium dendrite formation. This work considers a different approach
to controlling dendrite formation where lithium is plated underneath an
interfacial coating. In the present research, a Li-Sn intermetallic was chosen
as a model system due to its lithium-rich intermetallic phases and high Li
diffusivity. These coatings also exhibit a
significantly higher Li exchange current than bare Li thus leading to better charge
transfer kinetics. The exchange current is instrumental
in determining whether lithium deposition occurs above or below the Li-Sn coating. High-resolution
transmission electron microscopy and cryogenic focused ion beam scanning
electron microscopy were used to identify the features associated with Li
deposition. Atomic scale simulations provide insight as to the adsorption
energies determining the deposition of lithium below the Li-Sn coating. </p>
Avoiding Dendrite Formation by Confining Lithium Deposition Underneath Li-Sn Coatings
