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°C. The morphologies of lithium deposits were compared using in situ atomic force microscopy. The cycling efficiency for lithium deposition and dissolution at 80°C 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°C 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.