Dramatic boost to the lifespan of solid-state batteries

2 minute read

The future of solid-state battery technology just got brighter with a breakthrough study by researchers from the University of Surrey, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), and University College London. They have developed an ultrathin semiconductor film that can address the safety issues of solid-state electrolytes whilst dramatically increasing the lifespan of solid-state lithium-ion batteries.

The researchers' approach regulates the internal electric flux in the battery, solving the problem of “lithium dendrite growth” that has previously plagued solid-state batteries. (“lithium dendrite growth”: generation of dendritic lithium metal in battery causes short-circuit risks and capacity loss.) By creating a nanoscale interphase on the surface of the solid-state electrolyte, the team demonstrated an order-of-magnitude improvement in the lifetime of solid-state batteries.

Dr Xuhui Yao, the first author of the paper from NPL and University of Surrey, said, "We present an approach to fundamentally overcome the lithium dendrite growth issue by introducing rectifying interphase without compromising the battery performance. The asymmetric conductance of this rectifying interphase realises slow dendrite generation and rapid elimination, significantly improving battery safety."

The development of energy storage technology is vital to the large-scale utilisation of renewable energy and is one of the keys to realising the UK’s Net Zero Strategy. Dr Yunlong Zhao, the project leader from the University of Surrey and NPL, added, "This novel strategy could provide a possible way to viable solid-state Li metal batteries, and further optimisation is expected to be extended to other battery systems. Our continuous development of next-generation energy storage technology aims to enable people to benefit from the improved environment and reduced risk of climate change."

The full paper “Rectifying Interphase for Preventing Li Dendrite Propagation in Solid-State Electrolytes” published in Energy & Environmental Science, can be accessed here.