 The researchers used computer simulations to investigate the process of lithium crystallizing at the interface between a solid electrolyte and a metal anode. They found that the crystallization process involves multiple steps, with lithium atoms first forming disordered and random closed packed configurations before eventually forming the desired crystals. The researchers also identified specific conditions that could promote faster crystallization, such as creating favorable interfacial atom states. These findings could lead to new strategies for designing better solid state batteries. This article was authored by Minghao Yang, Yunxing Liu, and Afemo.