In-situ nanoscale insights into the evolution of solid electrolyte interphase shells

Straightforward visualized evidence of SEI shells evolution during Li deposition/stripping to reveal anode degradation is provided via in-situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). Nucleation and growth of quasi-spherical Li particles are observed on a Cu substrate, followed by Li stripping and collapse of SEI shells. In subsequent cycling, new Li deposits tend to nucleate at pristine sites with fresh SEI shells forming on Li. The previously collapsed SEI shells accumulate to increase interface impedance, eventually leading to capacity degradation.