Mechanistic Interrogation of Li Stripping under Dynamic Operation in Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) offer tremendous promise for electric aviation due to their high energy density and inherent safety advantages. However, the stability of solid/solid interfaces under dynamic, high-power discharge conditions, such as those in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, remains poorly understood. In this work, we reveal the mission-dependent nature of void growth at the lithium/solid-electrolyte interface across various eVTOL profiles and external pressures. We demonstrate how mission specifications like takeoff hover, altitude, and landing power drive contact loss, while low-power segments (e.g., cruise) promote contact recovery. A mechanistic paradigm linking contact loss and recovery to the interplay between reaction heterogeneity, chemomechanics, and lithium diffusion is established. We also quantify critical stack pressure regimes that govern void formation across the payload–range design space. These insights provide a foundational framework for designing mission-specific SSB architectures and pressure-control strategies tailored to the unique demands of electric aviation.