Investigating rate dependence of interlayer anode within “anodeless” solid-state batteries via operando X-ray diffraction computed tomograph

This study aims to investigate the structural and morphological changes in solid-state batteries (SSBs) with Ag-C interlayer as anode material under different cycling conditions, using operando X-ray diffraction computed tomography (XRD-CT). Cells will be cycled at four current densities: below the critical current density of cell failure (CCD), close to the CCD, above the CCD for dendrite growth, and a much lower current density than the CCD as control samples. The XRD-CT imaging can reveal critical phase transformations across the interlayer, while precisely mapping the spatiotemporal evolution of microstructural changes at defined capacity thresholds during lithium plating and stripping processes. These findings provide critical insights into the rate-dependent mechanisms of Ag-C interlayers, facilitating the strategic design of next-generation interlayer materials and architectures. This, in turn, can enhance key performance metrics, such as fast charge/discharge rates in SSBs.