The electric vehicle industry is on the verge of a major transformation after recent advancements in battery technology, after researchers at the University of Missouri tackled an issue surrounding the development of solid-state batteries. This entails solid-state batteries replacing the flammable liquid electrolytes used in traditional lithium-ion batteries with a solid material. This could increase their efficiency and reduce fire risks, thus enhancing their safety.
Using cutting-edge imaging technology, the researchers were able to solve a major challenge regarding the formation of an interphase layer at the interphase between the solid electrolyte and the cathode. This layer is about only 100 nanometers thick, 1000 times thinner than the width of human hair, but it creates a resistance that slows down the movement of lithium ions, thus reducing the efficiency and overall performance of the battery.
The Breakthrough with 4D STEM Technology.
To understand and solve this problem, the researchers used a revolutionary imaging technique known as four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D STEM). This method enabled them to analyze the atomic structure of the battery without dismantling it. This made it easy for them to pinpoint why and how the interphase layer forms.
After studying the nanoscale interactions in detail, the researchers identified the interphase layer as the cause of performance degradation and resolved to develop protective coatings of ultra-thin films that would prevent unwanted reactions while maintaining the smooth flow of lithium ions and electrons. According to Professor Matthias Young, these films need to be thin enough to avoid blocking lithium-ion movement but also thick enough to prevent harmful reactions. To achieve this goal, the materials have to be integrated in a way that maximizes performance without sacrificing compatibility.
Moving From AA and AAA to Single-Use and Solid-State Battery.
The innovation of the battery has been regarded as one of the greatest innovations of the 21st century, which is bringing great change to the world. From the primary batteries such as the AA and AAA to secondary batteries which are rechargeable through voltage reaction, the innovation of lithium batteries and solid-state batteries is a big win for the automotive industry.
The Future of Safer and More Efficient EV Batteries.
This breakthrough is one of the global plans to commercialize solid-state batteries, with automakers like Toyota and Mercedes-Benz investing heavily in research aimed at developing EVs with faster charging, longer ranges, and enhanced safety.
Toyota has also recently unveiled its proprietary solid-state battery technology that could transform electric vehicles. Its investment in developing viable solid-state lithium batteries for mass production could be a win that would see the development of longer-range and faster-charging electric vehicles.
In China, BYD Auto Co has also achieved breakthroughs in solid-state battery technology and has confirmed that it will adopt it in large-scale EV manufacturing. The company says that the SSBs feature solid electrolytes instead of the liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. The company plans to use sulfide-based solid-state batteries on higher-end vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz Group also announced that they have integrated solid-state batteries into their vehicles, enabling next-level energy densities in combination with lithium-metal anode. Additionally, these batteries can potentially increase the gravimetric energy density of vehicle batteries, thereby increasing the driving range.
The SEO of Factorial Energy, Siyu Huang said that the company, in collaboration with Mercedes has concluded that this breakthrough has demonstrated that solid-state batteries are ready to move beyond the laboratory into real-world application setting a new benchmark for the automotive industry.