Dendrites must be avoided in the battery cell (IMAGE)

Chalmers University of Technology

Dendrites must be avoided in the battery cell

Caption

Short circuits in lithium metal batteries usually result from the lithium depositing unevenly on the anode during the charging process, forming protruding sharp needles known as dendrites. These cause the anode to come into direct contact with the cathode, and the battery to short circuit. To avoid this, researchers have developed guidelines for how lithium can be optimally distributed, based on variables such as current density, temperature and the concentration of ions in the electrolyte.

Credit

Illustration: Yen Strandqvist/Chalmers University of Technology

Usage Restrictions

For editorial use only.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.