Researchers observe the phenomenon of "lithium
plating" during the charging process
Live from inside a battery
Lithium-ion batteries are seen as a solution for energy
storage of the future and have become indispensible, especially in
electromobility. Their key advantage is that they are able to store large
amounts of energy but are still comparatively light and compact. However, when
metallic lithium forms and deposits during charging it can lead to a reduced
battery lifespan and even short-circuits. Scientists at the Technische
Universität München (TUM) have now managed to peer into the inner workings of a
battery without destroying it. In the process, they have resolved the so-called
lithium plating mystery.