Spongy-dendritic growth

Spongy and Spongy-Dendritic Growth Initiation Inside Diffusion Layer of Microelectrodes... 

A third type of problem, that is often mistakenly confused with dendrite formation, is due to the presence of a reaction-product layer upon the growth interface if the electrode and electrolyte are not stable in the presence of each other. This leads to filamentary or hairy growth, and the deposit often appears to have a spongy character. During a subsequent discharge step the filaments often become disconnected from the underlying metal, so that they cannot participate in the electrochemical reaction, and the rechargeable capacity of the electrode is reduced. 

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