The morphological changes of a lithium powder electrode during cycling (discharge/charge) were observed at various current densities by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dissolution of the lithium powder electrode seemed to occur uniformly in the whole body of the electrode during discharge, and deposition occurred so as to sustain the initial powder shape during successive charging at a low current density. A model of the current density distribution and bonding number differences was developed, which rationalized the dissolution and deposition behaviors of the lithium ions. The suppression of dendritic growth in the lithium powder electrode was also understood from the standpoint of the Sand's time. The increased cycling life and small volume changes in the lithium powder electrode cell were able to be understood based on these behaviors. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.