Solid-state batteries are designed to replace liquid electrolytes with solid ceramics or polymers to improve safety and energy density. However, these batteries still face the issue of lithium dendrites, which grow through microcracks and grain boundaries in the solid material, potentially causing short circuits.
Research indicates that dendrite growth is primarily a mechanical process. About 80% of cracks in solid electrolytes propagate along grain boundaries, which are 3–5 times weaker than the grain volume itself. The lithium inside these cracks exerts hydrostatic pressure of approximately 600 MPa, forcing the material to fracture.
Current manufacturing challenges include high costs, which are 3–5 times higher than traditional lithium-ion batteries, and technical requirements such as inert gas environments for sulfides or high-temperature firing for oxides. As of 2026, most commercial solid-state batteries are hybrids containing 5–10% liquid electrolyte.
To mitigate dendrite issues, scientists are exploring three methods: strengthening grain boundaries through doping, increasing material toughness to dissipate stress, and introducing artificial defects to deflect dendrite growth. Analysts project the solid-state battery market to reach $30.5 billion by 2035.
