Lithium metal is one of the most promising candidates for next generation battery anodes due to its exceptionally high specific capacity. However, its widespread use is hindered by a challenging obstacle: upon multiple charge-discharge cycles, fractal filaments called dendrites can grow through the electrolyte from the negative to the positive electrode and short-circuit the battery from the inside, thus posing a major safety concern.
Click here for original story, Solid-ion conductors for safer batteries
Source: Phys.org