The growth mechanism of lithium dendrites and its coupling to mechanical stress

Operando high-resolution light microscopy with extended depth of field is used to observe large regions of an electrode during electrodeposition of lithium. The analysis of the morphology of the evolving deposit reveals that besides electrochemistry, mechanics and crystalline defects play a major role in the growth mechanism. Based on the findings, a growth mechanism is proposed that involves the diffusion of lithium atoms from the lithium surface into grain boundaries and the insertion into crystalline defects in the metal. Crystalline defects are a result of plastic deformation and hence mechanical stimulation augments the insertion of lithium.