Formation and growth of lithium metal dendrites through solid block copolymer membranes

Dendrite growth from lithium metal in electrochemical systems is the primary problem that precludes the wide use of lithium metal as an anode material. While polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer electrolytes extend cell life by suppressing dendrite growth, dendrites eventually do grow and the batteries fail by a short-circuit. \textit{In situ} hard X-ray microtomography experiments coupled with stress simulations shed light on the formation and growth of dendritic structures through stiff solid polymer electrolyte membranes.