Samsung researchers have been diligently developing a next-generation high-performance, long-lasting all-solid-state battery to help drive the expansion of electric vehicles (EVs). Although lithium-ion batteries have been in the spotlight for many years now as the go-to energy storage solution, they are heavy, expensive, and their liquid components can be hazardous. That is why researchers worldwide have been looking for a better, cheaper, and lighter alternative. And now Samsung’s team has found it! Their lithium metal all-solid-state battery is set to usher in a new generation of cells with better energy density to power EVs and all our other devices.
Traditional lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolytes. On the other hand, all-solid-state cells use solid electrolytes. For a complete side-by-side comparison, read our solid-state battery vs. lithium-ion guide. By doing away with the liquid electrolytes, it can support higher energy density, thus opening the door for larger capacities—and they are safer.
One of the challenges the team had to overcome was how lithium metal anodes are prone to trigger the growth of dendrites—tiny rigid tree-like structures that can grow inside and cause undesirable effects. They reduce a battery’s safety and lifespan. To prevent this anode degradation, the scientists added a 5-micrometer thick silver-carbon (Ag-C) coating on the anode. It even enabled the energy density to increase up to 900Wh/L. Meaning that the battery could be 50% smaller by volume while producing the same output as current lithium-ion battery tech.
Dongmin Im, the leader of the project, said, “The product of this study could be a seed technology for safer, high-performance batteries of the future. Going forward, we will continue to develop and refine all-solid-state battery materials and manufacturing technologies to help take EV battery innovation to the next level.”
The prototype pouch cell created in the study would enable an EV to travel up to 800 km on a single charge and can be charged over 1,000 times over before having to be replaced. With features like that, this fantastic pouch cell battery has the potential to accelerate the widespread adoption of EVs and even global energy storage markets to facilitate the transition to renewable energies.
Meanwhile, a team of MIT engineers has designed a new electrode structure for solid-state batteries that could lead to further improved longevity and energy density.
