Multiscale observation of Li plating for lithium‐ion batteries

Abstract As the most hazardous side reaction, Li plating poses high risks of undermining electrochemical performance of Li‐ion batteries by accelerating degradation. Under some extreme abuse conditions, Li plating can even jeopardize safety performance and induce catastrophic results like thermal runaway. Therefore, multiscale observation of Li plating is of great significance for understanding the internal mechanisms and early detection of Li plating. In this mini‐review, the recent progress of formation mechanisms of plated metallic lithium was introduced. Then, the in situ and ex situ observation methods of macroscopic, microscopic and atomic level were summarized. Reference electrode provides a promising tool for real‐time monitoring of anode potential, which is the critical factor of Li plating, showing great potentials in cloud‐based battery management systems. Finally, some perspectives for future researches on Li plating observation and corresponding utilizations in developing Li plating free control strategies were proposed.