Morphology characterization of dendrites on lithium metal electrodes by NMR spectroscopy

Despite the considerable potential offered by lithium metal's high capacity for rechargeable batteries, challenges such as dendrite formation and safety concerns persist. As strategies continue to advance in dendrite management, the demand for efficient monitoring tools becomes increasingly pronounced. In this study, we delve into the characterization of dendrites, elucidating the influence of microstructure morphology on the NMR spectrum using a combination of simulations and experiments. Systematic variations in various geometrical parameters highlight dendrite density as a pivotal distinguishing feature. Furthermore, the investigation explores the effectiveness of a pulse sequence in selectively exciting microstructures over the bulk, providing valuable insights into mitigating dendrite-related challenges in lithium-metal batteries. The impact of dendrite geometry on the 7Li NMR spectrum was explored through numerical calculations of the magnetic field. Dendrites were modeled as cylinders with diverse heights, diameters, densities, and orientations relative to the static field.