Understanding the origins of failure in solid-state batteries by in-situ dark field X-ray microscopy: Dendrite growth through single crystal

The mechanism by which soft lithium metal can propagate dendritic cracks through highly dense ceramic electrolytes has long been one of the most important questions in the battery field. Recent research has revealed the importance of near surface porosity in this crack propagation process. However, this does not address one key observation – that dendrites are also observed to penetrate through single crystalline electrolyte materials. This study will use in-situ dark field X-ray microscopy to address this question, and will lead to new fundamental understanding of the role of dislocations in the failure of solid-state batteries.