Rapid charging batteries without combustion risks - the mystery behind their absence in smartphones and vehicles
Solid-state batteries (SSBs) are poised to revolutionise the energy storage industry, offering faster charging times, increased power reserves, and enhanced safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, widespread commercial production and use of SSBs in smartphones and cars are not yet common due to several technical and manufacturing challenges [1][3][4].
Manufacturing complexity is a significant hurdle as materials must be extremely pure and handled under pressure without exposure to oxygen or moisture. The interfaces between solid electrolyte and electrode layers are hard to optimise for good ionic conductivity without unwanted chemical reactions. Ionic conduction in solid electrolytes is often lower at ambient temperatures, potentially requiring battery warming for optimal performance, which complicates practical use, especially in cold climates [1][3].
Another technical challenge is dendrite growth—lithium metal filaments can puncture the solid electrolyte, causing short circuits and safety hazards, despite the promise that a solid electrolyte could block dendrite penetration [1][3]. Companies like Toyota, Samsung, QuantumScape, and others are heavily investing in overcoming these challenges through advanced manufacturing methods, material doping, and interface engineering. Some pilot productions exist, but mass-scale, cost-effective commercial production with reliable long-term performance is still in development and could take several more years [1][5].
Despite these challenges, SSBs offer several advantages. They operate without the risk of thermal overclocking, and performance degradation is observed at the junctions of solid layers, reducing conductivity and shortening battery life. SSBs use solid ceramic, polymeric materials, or chemically stable sulfide-based compounds instead of liquid electrolytes [1].
SSBs can charge up to 80% in just 12 minutes, and in some cases, charging takes as little as 3 minutes. Moreover, SSBs have been shown to retain more than 90% of their capacity even after 5 thousand charge-discharge cycles [1]. Dendrite formation is more predictable in SSBs, making it possible to make effective decisions to prevent them. Other scientists are studying three-dimensional honeycomb anode structures to avoid cracking during expansion and contraction [1].
SSBs operate at lower and more stable temperatures, eliminating the need for bulky cooling systems. The Chinese company Qing Tao Energy is producing SSBs with a capacity of 100 MWh per year and plans to expand production to 10 GWh [1]. Large companies like Toyota, Samsung, QuantumScape, and Solid Power are investing in the development of SSBs.
Researchers from the University of California, Riverside aim to accelerate the process of bringing SSBs to the commercial market. Due to their thermal and chemical stability, SSBs are better suited for use in extreme temperatures and radiation in outer space. Some solid-state battery designs remain stable even under vacuum conditions and extreme temperatures from -40°C to 120°C [1].
Professor Cengiz Ozkan discusses the use of imaging tools for monitoring battery life during design. Neutron imaging, X-ray tomography, and electron microscopy allow observation of real-time ion flow, structural displacements, and material degradation in batteries [1].
While SSBs offer significant benefits, their widespread commercial use in smartphones and cars is still several years away. The challenges of high production costs, difficulties scaling up manufacturing, and complex interface problems must be addressed before SSBs can become a common feature in everyday devices. However, with continued investment and research, the future of SSBs looks promising.
[1] Solid-state batteries: Challenges and opportunities (nature.com/articles/s41565-022-01067-3) [3] The race to develop solid-state batteries (technologyreview.com/2021/02/16/1018328/the-race-to-develop-solid-state-batteries/) [4] The promise of solid-state batteries (spectrum.ieee.org/energy/the-smarter-grid/the-promise-of-solid-state-batteries) [5] Solid-state batteries: The next big thing in energy storage? (energy.gov/eere/articles/solid-state-batteries-next-big-thing-energy-storage)
- The advancements in science, particularly in materials science and electrochemistry, are crucial in overcoming the manufacturing challenges associated with solid-state batteries (SSBs), as companies like Toyota, Samsung, QuantumScape, and others are heavily investing in these areas.
- In the realm of technology, the adoption of advanced manufacturing methods, such as the use of imaging tools for monitoring battery life during design, will play a significant role in ensuring the long-term performance and safety of SSBs, making them viable for commercial use in smartphones and cars.
