In situ atomic force microscopy observation of lithium deposition at an elevated temperature

Lithium deposition was carried out on a Ni substrate in a 1 M solution of lithium bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide (LiBETI) dissolved in propylene carbonate(PC) at room temperature and at an elevated temperature of 80 degreesC. The morphologies of Lithium deposits were compared using in situ atomic force microscopy. The cycling efficiency for lithium deposition and dissolution at 80 degreesC was higher than that at room temperature in 1 M LiBETI/PC. Large masses of deposits were observed after lithium deposition at room temperature. However, the surface of lithium deposited at 80 degreesC was smooth and uniform throughout Lithium deposition and dissolution. It was shown that temperature is one of the important factors that affect the cycling efficiency. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.