With the resurgence of interest in lithium metal anodes, the long-standing problem of dendrite prevention has once again gained popularity as a research focus. There is significant debate as to the actual cause of dendrite growth with different mechanisms observed in polymer and ceramic cells, and different morphologies observed when changing operating conditions.

Over the last year, we have been developing mathematical methods that combine electrochemical effects (kinetics, mass transfer and ohmic) with mechanical interactions (elastic deformation, plastic deformation, and fracture) to understanding the role of material properties and operating conditions on dendrite growth. We have used this model to examine dendrite formation in polymer electrolytes, both single-ion conducting and non-single-ion conducting. In addition, we have been examining the formation of dendrites in ceramic materials.

This talk will use this combined electrochemical/mechanical approach to provide insights into the cause of dendrite formation in polymer electrolytes, the effect of changing operating conditions like current density, the effect of pressure, and the effect of changing material mechanical and transport properties. We also examine the impact of grain boundaries on dendrite formation in ceramics and provide insights into the challenges that need to be solved to enable this system.