Alkali metal batteries have high energy densities required to power future devices; however, uneven metal deposition is a critical barrier to achieving long lifespans. We have developed an elegant noncryogenic transmission electron microscopy method which has facilitated the first observations of epitaxial deposition in alkali metal batteries. Using this method, we have confirmed epitaxial interactions between (002) sodium crystallite planes and (01–11) planes in zinc current collectors. Such epitaxial interactions decrease nucleation energy barriers and promote even metal growth. This study offers fresh inspiration for the development of electron microscopy techniques tailored to electron-sensitive battery materials and sets a new agenda for the development of battery technologies.

中文翻译：

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揭示碱金属电池中的外延沉积


碱金属电池具有为未来设备供电所需的高能量密度;然而，不均匀的金属沉积是实现长寿命的关键障碍。我们开发了一种优雅的非低温透射电子显微镜方法，该方法促进了碱金属电池中外延沉积的首次观察。使用这种方法，我们已经证实了锌集流体中 （002） 钠微晶面和 （01-11） 面之间的外延相互作用。这种外延相互作用减少了成核能垒，并促进了金属的生长。这项研究为开发针对电子敏感电池材料的电子显微镜技术提供了新的灵感，并为电池技术的发展设定了新的议程。