Noise characterization of surface processes of the Li/organic electrolyte interface

The processes occurring in aprotic electrolyte on a lithium electrode in the steady state conditions and under polarization are studied using the method of electrochemical noise characterization. The evidence of the electro-chemical noise measurements on polarized lithium electrodes indicates that the discharge of lithium ions under cathodic polarization, as well as lithium anodic dissolution, is localized under the passive film rather than on its surface. An increase in the polarizing current results in local breakdown of the film; in this case, the electrochemical process emerges on the electrode surface affecting the character of potential fluctuations. The intensity of electrochemical noise significantly increases in the course of cathodic polarization with high currents. The reason is that lithium metal crystals, which are formed under the passive film, perforate the film, and dendrites grow on its surface. The method shows the dependence of electrochemical noise intensity on the nature of the electrolyte and establishes the correlation between the stability of the lithium electrode in the course of cycling and the intensity of fluctuations. This offers an opportunity of using the method of electrochemical noise for screening organic electrolytes for lithium batteries.