# Rice University

First In‑Cell Glimpse of Lithium Dendrites Growing and Snapping Points a Way to Safer Batteries

Researchers have, for the first time, observed lithium dendrites growing and fracturing inside an operating battery cell, revealing mechanical behaviors that explain intermittent shorting and capacity loss. Published in Science and led by teams including Rice University and Nanyang Technological University, the work improves understanding of a key safety risk and points to targeted engineering and materials solutions.