A specialized MRI coil and sample holder designed for imaging solid-state lithium-ion batteries. (NHMFL)
The next-generation technology promises revolutionary advances in energy storage efficiency and safety.
A research team at the Florida State University-headquartered National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (MagLab) has achieved a significant breakthrough in understanding the fundamental causes of failure in solid-state lithium-ion batteries, according to a study published in Nature Materials.
Solid-state batteries, which utilize a solid electrolyte rather than conventional liquid or gel components, represent a transformative advancement in energy storage technology. These batteries offer substantially higher energy density without the inherent safety vulnerabilities of traditional lithium-ion batteries, which remain susceptible to thermal runaway and combustion risks.
The Dendrite Challenge
Despite their promising attributes, solid-state lithium batteries face a persistent technical obstacle: the formation of dendrites. During charge-discharge cycles, these microscopic, needle-like structures of metallic lithium progressively extend through the battery material, creating branch-like networks that ultimately connect and induce catastrophic short-circuiting.
“If you don’t understand the problem, it’s hard to address it,” explained Dr. Yan-Yan Hu, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Florida State University who led the research. “We’re trying to understand the mechanisms of dendrite formation in solids.”
Unprecedented Visualization Techniques
After more than five years of methodical investigation employing unique magnetic imaging systems and custom-developed analytical methodologies, the MagLab team has precisely identified both the location and formation mechanisms of these destructive dendrites.
The researchers developed specialized instrumentation that enabled unprecedented visualization of the battery’s internal processes during operational cycles, utilizing the MagLab’s world-record magnetic resonance imaging capabilities.
“We can discharge and recharge batteries inside the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probe in the magnetic field. Meanwhile, we can look at dendrite formation inside the batteries,” Hu noted.
Sam Grant, professor of chemical and biomedical engineering at FSU and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, and director of the MagLab’s MRI program, emphasized the unique analytical advantages of their approach: “Our high field magnets at the MagLab are ideal for analyzing normally hard to detect elements such as lithium, opening up the periodic table to imaging elements not accessible at lower magnetic fields.”
Dual Formation Mechanisms Identified
The research team implemented an innovative chemical marking technique to trace dendrite origins precisely—distinguishing whether formation was initiated at the battery’s peripheral interfaces or within its central structures. Through multiple charge-discharge cycles, researchers systematically monitored progressive dendrite accumulation.
“One of the unique aspects of this study is high-field MRI coupled with NMR. MRI provides a picture of the distribution and growth of dendrite formation, while NMR provides insights into the chemistry and origin of the lithium deposited as dendrites,” Grant explained.
Their comprehensive analysis revealed a complex interplay between two distinct dendrite formation mechanisms. The lithium structures initially develop at the interface between the battery’s electrode and electrolyte components. As operational cycling continues, additional dendrites emerge within the solid electrolyte material. These independently formed structures extend outward, potentially interconnecting and precipitating complete battery failure.
“We now have a comprehensive understanding of how these dendrites can form, grow, and evolve,” said Yudan Chen, Florida State University graduate student and lead author of the published research.
Experimental Configuration
The experimental battery assembly consisted of solid lithium electrodes positioned on either side of a solid electrolyte compound composed of lithium lanthanum and zirconium oxide (LLZO).
Future Research Directions
With this newly established understanding of dendrite formation mechanisms, researchers can now focus on strategic modifications to battery composition and architecture to mitigate these failure modes. Potential approaches include alternative material combinations, interface engineering between electrode and electrolyte components, and targeted adjustments to the microstructural properties of solid electrolytes.
“We have ideas, or possible methods to engineer, to design, to modify our battery cell,” Chen explained. “After that, we can use our magnetic resonance techniques here to verify whether our engineering methods can work, really mitigate dendrite formation. We can use it as an evaluation toolkit.”
This investigation represents a crucial contribution to the global research effort spanning academic institutions and industry partners, all working toward the development of optimal solid-state battery technologies that enhance performance, safety, and manufacturing scalability. The resulting advances will directly benefit consumer electronics, from smartphones and wireless earbuds to laptop computers.
The implications extend beyond consumer applications to address broader energy challenges facing society.
“We have many ways to generate energy,” Chen noted. “The key problem is how are we going to store that generated energy to let us use it when needed.”
Editor’s Note: This article was edited with a custom prompt for Claude 3.7 Sonnet, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. The AI improved clarity, structure and readability while preserving the original reporting and factual content. All information and viewpoints remain those of the author and publication. This disclosure is part of our commitment to transparency in our editorial process. Last edited: 6 Mar 2025.
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