In Situ Study of Lithium Dynamics in Li, Li-In and Si Anodes of Solid-State Batteries by Neutron Imaging

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with a ceramic solid electrolyte (SE) and a lithium metal anode aim for higher energy density and better safety than conventional liquid Li ion batteries. However, challenges related to the lithium metal anode including lithium dendrite formation during lithium deposition and battery polarization increase during lithium dissolution impede their practical application. In situ/operando neutron imaging makes it possible to dynamically track the Li distribution and structural change inside the ASSBs, therefore, promises to reveal the lithium deposition/dissolution mechanisms. In this work, we will implement in operando neutron radiography and in situ neutron tomography to study 1) dendrite growth mechanism of Li anode and lithium concentration evolution in solid electrolyte, and 2) lithiation/delithiation of Li-In alloy and micro-Si.