Mathematical model of the dendritic growth during lithium electrodeposition

► Mathematical model of dendrite growth during lithium electrodeposition is presented. ► Overpotential analysis shows that dendrites grow purely under activation control. ► Model predictions are compared with experimental data on dendrite growth rates. ► Dendrite growth can occur, albeit slowly, well below the limiting current. ► Dendritic growth is suppressed in systems exhibiting a lower transfer coefficient.