Metal plating and dendrite are widely observed in the electrochemical processes, such as electrodeposition and Li-ion battery charging cycles. In this work, a mesoscale modeling approach is developed for investigating the mechanisms of Li plating and dendrite on Li-ion battery anode surface. We explore the possible origins and the kinetics of these phenomena. Specifically, we investigate the effects of the anode surface wetting, Li surface self-diffusion, local overpotential, surface geometry, and temperature on the formation mechanisms of Li plating and dendrite. More importantly, we explicitly clarify the competition between these factors and quantify their contributions to the final Li morphology. From this study, we aim to shed light on the Li deposition behaviors on the anode surface and provide guidance for facilitating Li plating and avoiding Li dendrite.

Figure. Li deposition morphologies: (a) dendrite and (b) layered by layered film.