Recent Advances in Dendrite Suppression Strategies for Solid-State Lithium Batteries: From Interface Engineering to Material Innovations

Solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs) offer significant advantages over conventional lithium-ion systems, including improved safety, higher energy density, and the possibility of integrating lithium metal anodes. However, the formation and propagation of lithium dendrites remain a critical obstacle to their widespread deployment. This review provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of recent advances in dendrite suppression strategies, encompassing solid electrolyte innovations, interfacial engineering, and mechanical design approaches. Key mechanisms of dendrite nucleation, such as interfacial stress, grain boundary pathways, and electrochemical heterogeneity, are discussed in the context of sulfide-, oxide-, and polymer-based electrolytes. Interface modification techniques, including artificial interlayers, surface coatings, and chemical additives, are evaluated for their role in enhancing lithium-ion transport and promoting uniform deposition. Mechanical strategies based on nanostructured reinforcements, gradient architectures, and self-healing materials are highlighted as emerging solutions to prevent dendrite intrusion. The article also emphasizes the role of advanced characterization methods, such as in situ electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and NMR, in understanding and validating suppression mechanisms. By integrating multidisciplinary insights, this review outlines the current limitations and identifies promising directions toward the development of reliable, dendrite-free SSLBs suitable for practical applications.