Lithium dendrites, which look like minuscule metallic "thorns," have long been identified as a primary cause of performance deterioration and short-circuiting in lithium-ion batteries. Recently, an international research team, including members from Rice University in the United States and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, directly observed, for the first time, the growth and fracture process of lithium dendrites within an operating battery. This observation unveiled their mechanical properties, namely high strength and brittle fracture, challenging traditional understanding. This breakthrough offers a fresh perspective on inhibiting dendrite growth and improving battery safety, with the pertinent findings published in the esteemed journal Science.
