Surface reforming of negative electrode layers

A method of reforming a negative electrode layer of a secondary lithium battery, the method comprising:

• measuring an electrical parameter associated with a porous sensory layer disposed between a major facing surface of a negative electrode layer and an opposing surface of a positive electrode layer, the porous sensory layer including an electrically conductive material and being electrically isolated from the negative electrode layer and the positive electrode layer;
• evaluating the electrical parameter to determine whether a lithium dendrite is present on the major facing surface of the negative electrode layer that extends continuously from the major facing surface of the negative electrode layer to the porous sensory layer;
• and
• responsive to a positive determination that the lithium dendrite is present on the major facing surface of the negative electrode layer, executing a reforming cycle that reforms the major facing surface of the negative electrode layer and eliminates at least a portion of the lithium dendrite such that the lithium dendrite does not extend continuously from the major facing surface of the negative electrode layer to the porous sensory layer,
• wherein the reforming cycle is executed by at least one of:
• (i) passing a pulsed electric current between the negative electrode layer and the porous sensory layer and through the lithium dendrite, or
• (ii) applying a voltage pulse across the negative electrode and the porous sensory layer such that electric current flows through the lithium dendrite.