Integrating multi-length scale high resolution 3D imaging and modelling in the characterisation and identification of mechanical failure sites in electrochemical dendrites

Abstract

The Zn-air battery system is attractive because of its potentially high power density, environmental compatibility and low-cost materials [1]. This paper is focused on understanding the degradation of Zn air batteries, in particular the evolution of Zn dendrites, one of the main degradation mechanisms. Complementary tomographic techniques allow the direct 3D imaging and characterisation of complex microstructures, including the observation and quantification of dendrite growth. Here we present results from 3D x-ray and FIB-SEM tomography of Zn dendrite formation in a zinc-air battery, down to resolutions of tens of nanometers, enabling analysis of complex micro-structures. This approach is shown to be effective in understanding how electrochemical dendrites grow, and demonstrates that tomography coupled with modelling can provide new insights into dendrite growth in electrochemical systems.