The use of interfacial layers to stabilize the lithium surface is a popular research direction for improving the morphology of deposited lithium and suppressing lithium dendrite formation. This work considers a different approach to controlling dendrite formation where lithium is plated underneath an interfacial coating. In the present research, a Li-Sn intermetallic was chosen as a model system due to its lithium-rich intermetallic phases and high Li diffusivity. These coatings also exhibit a significantly higher Li exchange current than bare Li thus leading to better charge transfer kinetics. The exchange current is instrumental in determining whether lithium deposition occurs above or below the Li-Sn coating. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and cryogenic focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy were used to identify the features associated with Li deposition. Atomic scale simulations provide insight as to the adsorption energies determining the deposition of lithium below the Li-Sn coating.

中文翻译：

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通过限制锂锡涂层下方的锂沉积来避免枝晶形成

使用界面层来稳定锂表面是改善沉积锂的形态并抑制锂枝晶形成的流行研究方向。这项工作考虑了一种控制枝晶形成的不同方法，其中将锂镀在界面涂层下面。在本研究中，由于锂-金属间化合物相丰富且锂扩散系数高，因此选择了锂-锡金属间化合物作为模型系统。这些涂层还显示出比裸露的Li高得多的Li交换电流，从而导致更好的电荷转移动力学。交换电流有助于确定锂沉积是发生在Li-Sn涂层之上还是之下。高分辨率透射电子显微镜和低温聚焦离子束扫描电子显微镜用于鉴定与锂沉积有关的特征。原子尺度模拟提供了有关确定锂在Li-Sn涂层下沉积的吸附能的见解。