Dendrite-Free Rechargable Batteries (IMAGE)

DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Dendrite-Free Rechargable Batteries

Caption

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed a new electrolyte that allows lithium-sulfur, lithium-metal and lithium-air batteries to operate well without growing dendrites, tiny pin-like fibers that short-circuit rechargeable batteries. Shown here are two scanning electron microscope images that illustrate how a traditional electrolyte can cause dendrite growth (a, left), while PNNL's new electrolyte instead causes the growth of smooth nodules that don't short-circuit batteries (b, right).

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PNNL

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