Nanoscale electrochemical measurements on a lithium-ion conducting glass ceramic: In-situ monitoring of the lithium particle growth

We performed nanoscopic cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry on the Ohara lithium ion conductive glass ceramic. When the critical bias voltage was exceeded, metallic lithium particles were deposited irreversibly under the conductive AFM tip acting as working electrode. Due to the huge area difference between working electrode and counter electrode, a reference electrode was not required. We present an in-situ method for studying the particle growth mechanism by simultaneously monitoring the reduction current and the particle height. We found good agreement between the topographically determined volume of the lithium particles and the volume expected from the charge flow. The results for time dependence of the particle growth can be used for controlling the vertical and lateral dimensions of the particles.

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► Nanoscopic electrochemical measurements were carried out on a lithium ion conductor.
► When a critical bias voltage was exceeded, metallic lithium particles were deposited.
► In-situ method for studying lithium particle growth mechanism under the AFM tip.
► Good agreement between topographical and theoretical volume obtained from the charge.
► Controlling vertical and lateral dimensions of nanoelectrodes on ion conductors.