Researchers develop new solid-state battery technology

 

If research by scientists at Columbia University of Engineering is right, solid-state batteries are closer to becoming a reality. The new technology has been identified as revolutionary in many ways.

According to the Phys.org website, this type of battery has the main advantages of reducing the risk of accidents and increasing energy duration. The study, however, points out that there is no prediction of how much this technology will finally reach smartphones and other electronics.

How do solid state batteries work?

Today's batteries use fluid lithium ions and solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes. This change guarantees them more safety, minimizing the risk of accidents, such as explosions or fires, more energy efficiency and greater sustainability.

However, research at Columbia University is still considered unstable by scientists themselves. This was because in the tests it was necessary to build a layer to protect the solid electrolytes, but without making it too thick to reduce the density of the battery and not interfere with the conduction of lithium ions.

In order for solid electrolytes to be used in the anode, the choice was made of lithium metal, since it is indispensable to increase the density of batteries (allows the storage of a greater energy capacity). Finally, most components are ceramic and, for that reason, non-flammable.

The problem found, according to the researchers, is that lithium metal corrodes solid electrolytes very easily, which generates dendrites (glass crystals considered "impurities" in this process). In the medium term, the accumulation of these materials can pierce the anode.

The solution found in the new technology

The lithium metal ions needed to be separated from the solid electrolytes and boron nitride was the solution found for this. The substance allowed the creation of a much thinner layer than those previously tested, protecting the solid electrolytes and not resulting in ionic traffic.

For comparison, boron nitride in solid-state batteries assumes a role similar to that of graphite in current batteries. Another advantage is the electrical conductivity: ten times greater than that of the material used previously.

Research is still a few years away

Although the results obtained at Columbia University of Engineering are very encouraging, this does not mean that the researchers' work is finished. They guarantee that the steps still need to be improved until this type of technology can be used on a commercial scale.

For this, in addition to more research, specific tests need to be done. Technologies must also pass certifications so that their quality as well as their risks are properly evaluated. Only then would solid-state batteries be released for production and later inclusion in electronics.

We are, therefore, talking about a process that must take at least another five years before reaching the final consumer on a large scale.

Source (s): Phys.org and Android Authority