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 b y atomic force microscopy (AFM) are reported. The novelty in this study, co mpared to our previous studies in this field, is that the AFM microscope wa s placed in a special glove box system. This arrangement allowed us to carr y out in situ morphological studies by AFM of highly sensitive systems in a highly inert argon atmosphere and under very quiet, vibration-free conditi ons. The performance of Li anodes in rechargeable batteries depends on the morphology of Li deposition-dissolution processes which are usually specifi c to the electrolyte solution chosen. A typical example of micromorphologic al phenomena which led to limited cycling efficiency of Li electrodes is sh own. The solution chosen for this demonstration was water contaminated (200 ppm) 0.5 M LiPF6 in propylene carbonate. (C) 1999 The Electrochemical Soci ety. S1099-0062(98)08-036-5. All rights reserved.