ACS Electrochemistry

Lithium metal is a prime contender for the next generation of rechargeable batteries. But in order to live up to that potential, scientists have had to try and find a solution to the dendrite problem. Lithium tends to grow into needle-like structures (dendrites) which reduce the battery life and create safety hazards. The answer may be like the key to most things in life: balance. Researchers from Tohoku University's Institute for Materials Research (IMR) discovered that, rather than increasing the amount of lithium salt in a battery, an optimal lithium concentration allows lithium to deposit evenly and form a stronger protective layer on the battery surface.