Unveiling the True Form of Lithium: A Groundbreaking Discovery

Researchers at UCLA have discovered the true shape of lithium metal, a key component in rechargeable batteries, by developing a technique that prevents the formation of corrosion during the deposition process. The study reveals that in the absence of corrosion, lithium atoms assemble into a rhombic dodecahedron shape, which could have implications for the development of safer and higher-performing lithium-metal batteries. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to visualize the shape of lithium at the atomic level. Further optimization of the deposition technique is needed to fully harness the potential of this discovery.