Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy and Electrochemical Atomic Force Microscopy Investigations of Lithium Nucleation and Growth: Influence of the Electrode Surface Potential

Lithium metal is promising for high-capacity batteries because of its high theoretical specific capacity of 3860 mAh g^-1 and low redox potential of −3.04 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode. However, it encounters challenges, such as dendrite formation, which poses risks of short circuits and safety hazards. This study examines Li deposition using electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). KPFM provides insights into local surface potential, while EC-AFM captures the surface response evolution to electrochemical reactions. We selectively removed metallic coatings from current collectors to compare lithium deposition on coated and exposed copper surfaces. Observations from the Ag-coated Cu (Ag/Cu), Pt-coated Cu (Pt/Cu), and Au-coated Cu (Au/Cu) samples revealed variations in lithium deposition. Ag/Cu and Au/Cu exhibited two-dimensional growth, whereas Pt/Cu exhibited three-dimensional growth, highlighting the impact of electrode materials on morphology. These insights advance the development of safer lithium metal batteries.