Cell failures of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes: Lithium dendrites

All-solid-state lithium metal batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes are capable to deliver a high theoretical energy density and work safely in a common battery operating condition. However, one critical issue facing all-solid-state lithium metal batteries is the “short” and “unstable” cycling performance. Cell failures might origin from various roots, including “unstable” interphase formation, “uncontrolled” penetration of lithium dendrites, “bad” interfacial compatibility and “irreversible” volume change of electrode/electrolyte materials. In this effort, we focus on comprehensively discussing the lithium dendrite formation that leads to cell failures of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes. We summarize possible roots for the lithium dendrite formation through the inorganic solid electrolytes, and provide strategies to suppress the growth and propagation of lithium dendrites to alleviate cell failures of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes. We believe this focused review will help to better understand the formation mechanisms of lithium dendrites, and their roles in cell failures of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes.