Systems and methods for minimizing and preventing dendrite formation in electrochemical cells

Abstract

Embodiments described herein relate to electrochemical cells with dendrite prevention mechanisms, and methods of producing and operating the same. In some aspects, an electrochemical cell can include an anode and a cathode material disposed on a cathode current collector, the cathode material and the cathode current collector forming a cathode. The electrochemical cell further includes a first separator disposed on the anode, a second separator disposed on the cathode, and an interlayer disposed between the first separator and the second separator, the interlayer including electroactive material, the interlayer including a source of lithium ions, the lithium ions configured to migrate toward the anode upon a voltage difference between the interlayer and the anode exceeding a threshold value. In some embodiments, the anode can include an anode material disposed on an anode current collector. In some embodiments, the anode material can include graphite, silicon, and/or hard carbon.