Current constriction of Li-ion transport across lithium metal-ceramic electrolyte interface: Imaged with X-ray Tomography

The local current at a constriction can be higher than the average current, which can lower the engineering value of the critical current density in lithium-ion cells. We show that X-ray Computed Tomography can be used to image the extent and the length scale of this constriction. The constriction is seen by comparing the in-plane thickness profile of the lithium metal at the anode before, and then at the cathode after full discharge. Remarkable discrepancy between these two images highlights the nature of the constriction.

Automated summary

X-ray Computed Tomography can be used to image the extent and length scale of constrictions affecting the current distribution in lithium-ion cells, which can help identify and address local current peaks in battery engineering.