In situ micromorphological studies of Li electrodes by atomic force microscopy in a glove box system

In situ micromorphological studies of Li deposition-dissolution processes by atomic force microscopy (AFM) are reported. The novelty in this study, compared to our previous studies in this field, is that the AFM microscope was placed in a special glove box system. This arrangement allowed us to carry out in situ morphological studies by AFM of highly sensitive systems in a highly inert argon atmosphere and under very quiet, vibration-free conditions. The performance of Li anodes in rechargeable batteries depends on the morphology of Li deposition-dissolution processes which are usually specific to the electrolyte solution chosen. A typical example of micromorphological phenomena which led to limited cycling efficiency of Li electrodes is shown. The solution chosen for this demonstration was water contaminated (200 ppm) 0.5 M LiPF₆ in propylene carbonate.