Application of atomic force microscopy for the study of lithium-ion batteries

Development of advanced Lithium Ion Batteries (LIBs) represents a fast growing field of science and technology. However, many fundamental problems remained unresolved due to lack of understanding of surface/interface phenomenon of LIB on nanometer scale. Here, we review recent applications of atomic force microscopy to study three key aspects of lithium ion batteries namely solid electrolyte interface, ion transportation and dendrite growth. In situ AFM is an ideal tool for the study of solid electrolyte interface and lithium deposition because of its real time and non-invasive. It is highly expected significant advances will be made in the coming years on this research area.