Rechargeable batteries comprising metal anodes can be crucial to developing and deploying many electronic devices, electric vehicles, and other systems requiring energy storage. However, a disadvantage of these rechargeable batteries is the development of surface defects over several charge/discharge cycles. For example, dendrite formation can cause malfunctions such as short circuiting and/or overheating. Therefore, a need exists for battery anodes having modified surfaces that are not susceptible to the formation of malfunction-inducing surface defects.

To meet this need, researchers at PNNL have developed modifications to improve surfaces on metal anodes and the methods for implementing those modifications.   The invention comprises applying a protective nanocomposite coating over the anode, which inhibits formation of surface defects, such as dendrites, on the anode during charge/discharge cycles. The protective nanocomposite gives rechargeable batteries the ability to resist the formation of malfunction-inducing surface defects and resist short circuiting and/or overheating during charge/discharge cycles.