Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have devised an innovative pressing technique, depicted in the blue circle to the right, which creates a more uniform solid electrolyte compared to traditional methods that result in increased voids, represented by the gray circle to the left. This improved material can be incorporated into a battery system, illustrated at the center, enhancing its stability and rate performance. Image Credit: Andy Sproles/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy.
Minor Adjustment Leads to Major Leap in Solid-State Battery Electrolyte Performance
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have achieved a breakthrough, doubling the charging speed of solid-state batteries by modifying the pressing process of the solid electrolyte. The new development ushers in safer, more effective, and industrially scalable battery technology.
Scientists at ORNL discovered that a minor adjustment can significantly boost the performance of a solid-state battery – a crucial technology for expanding the use of electric vehicles.
These batteries use a solid electrolyte, a safer alternative to potentially volatile liquid electrolytes. During charging or operation, ions travel between electrodes through the intermediary electrolyte. By introducing a novel method of pressing the solid electrolyte, the team was able to nearly eradicate minuscule air pockets that hinder ion flow, thereby doubling the charging speed of the battery.
Lead ORNL researcher, Marm Dixit, explained that the technique involved heating the press after spreading the electrolyte on it, then allowing the electrolyte to cool under pressure. The resulting material was found to be almost 1,000 times more conductive. “We’ve essentially taken the same material and adjusted the production method to enhance battery performance significantly,” said Dixit.
The outcome of this research represents a promising avenue for large-scale solid electrolyte processing while providing unparalleled control over their internal structure, leading to a more dependable battery.
Reference: “Tailoring of the Anti-Perovskite Solid Electrolytes at the Grain-Scale” by Marm Dixit, Nitin Muralidharan, Anuj Bisht, Charl J. Jafta, Christopher T. Nelson, Ruhul Amin, Rachid Essehli, Mahalingam Balasubramanian and Ilias Belharouak, 21 April 2023, ACS Energy Letters. DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.3c00265
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Solid-State Battery Efficiency
What was the innovation that improved solid-state battery efficiency?
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) developed an innovative pressing method for the solid electrolyte in solid-state batteries. This change practically eliminated the tiny air pockets that were blocking ion flow, thereby doubling the charging speed of the battery.
How does the new pressing method work?
The new method involves heating the press after spreading the electrolyte on it, and then allowing the electrolyte to cool under pressure. The resulting material was almost 1,000 times more conductive, improving the overall performance of the battery.
What are the potential applications of this improved solid-state battery technology?
The enhanced performance and safety of these improved solid-state batteries make them ideal for broader electric vehicle adoption. The technology also has the potential to be used in various other electronic devices that require batteries.
How does the new technique affect the industrial scalability of solid-state batteries?
The new pressing method for solid electrolytes can be applied at an industrial scale, providing unprecedented control over their internal structure. This suggests that the production of more efficient and reliable solid-state batteries could be ramped up to meet demand.
Who are the researchers involved in this study?
The research was conducted by a team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), led by Marm Dixit. Other researchers involved include Nitin Muralidharan, Anuj Bisht, Charl J. Jafta, Christopher T. Nelson, Ruhul Amin, Rachid Essehli, Mahalingam Balasubramanian, and Ilias Belharouak.
More about Solid-State Battery Efficiency
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory Research
- ACS Energy Letters
- Solid-State Battery Technology
- Electric Vehicle Battery Advancements
- Innovations in Battery Technology
- DOI for the research paper
5 comments
Amazing stuff! doubling battery charging speed, that’s a game changer, man. Good work ORNL guys.
Is it just me or is this the most exciting piece of news in energy tech this year? imagine the possibilities for EVs, heck, all electronics.
I’ve been following the solid state battery tech for a while. This is a huge leap forward, people! Never underestimate a ‘small tweak’.
Marm Dixit and his team are heroes! Real life Tony Starks. keep it up ORNL.
wow! 1000x more conductive… simply wow! Can’t wait to see this in action on our electric cars. Kudos to the researchers.