Abstract: A rechargeable battery is provided. The rechargeable battery includes an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte in contact with the anode and the cathode, and an interlayer disposed between the anode and the cathode in the electrolyte. The anode is configured to allow growth of one or more dendrites in a direction from the anode to the interlayer to electronically couple the anode to the interlayer, wherein the interlayer is configured to electrochemically react with cations present in the electrolyte upon formation of the electronic coupling between the anode and the interlayer, thereby inhibiting the growth of the one or more dendrites in a direction from the interlayer to the cathode. An interlayer disposable between the anode and the cathode in the electrolyte of a rechargeable battery is also provided. The interlayer inhibits growth of the one or more dendrites in a direction from the interlayer to the cathode.