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Solid-State Battery Principle

1990

Solid-state batteries replace the liquid or polymer gel electrolyte of conventional batteries with a solid, ion-conducting material, such as a ceramic or solid polymer. This design aims to improve safety by eliminating flammable liquid electrolytes and to increase energy density and lifespan by enabling the use of high-capacity anodes, particularly pure lithium metal.

The core innovation of a solid-state battery is the solid electrolyte. This component must fulfill the challenging dual role of being an excellent conductor for ions while being a perfect electrical insulator to prevent internal short circuits. Researchers are exploring several classes of materials, including inorganic crystalline ceramics (e.g., garnet-type LLZO – Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂), amorphous glassy ceramics, and solid polymers.

The primary motivation is safety. Conventional lithium-ion batteries use flammable organic liquid electrolytes, which can leak and catch fire in cases of damage or malfunction, a phenomenon known as thermal runaway. A solid, non-flammable electrolyte inherently mitigates this risk. Beyond safety, the solid electrolyte is a key enabler for next-generation anode materials. The ultimate anode is pure lithium metal, which offers the highest theoretical energy density. However, in liquid electrolytes, lithium metal tends to form needle-like structures called dendrites during charging. These dendrites can grow across the separator, short-circuit the cell, and cause a fire.

A mechanically robust solid electrolyte can act as a physical barrier, suppressing dendrite growth and allowing for the safe use of a lithium metal anode. This could lead to batteries with significantly higher energy density (more range for an EV) and a longer cycle life. Key challenges remain in achieving high ionic conductivity at room temperature, maintaining stable interfaces between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes during volume changes, and developing cost-effective manufacturing processes.

UNESCO Nomenclature: 3319
– Materials technology

Type

Physical Device

Disruption

Revolutionary

Usage

Emerging Technology

Precursors

  • Discovery of ionic conductivity in solid materials by Michael Faraday
  • Development of lithium-ion battery chemistry and electrode materials
  • Advances in ceramic science and thin-film deposition techniques
  • Theoretical understanding of ion transport in solids

Applications

  • pacemakers and other implantable medical devices
  • RFID tags and smart cards
  • wearable sensors
  • next-generation electric vehicles (in development)
  • aerospace and defense systems

Patents:

NA

Potential Innovations Ideas

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Related to: solid-state battery, solid electrolyte, energy density, lithium metal anode, battery safety, ceramic electrolyte, dendrites, LLZO

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Historical Context

(if date is unknown or not relevant, e.g. "fluid mechanics", a rounded estimation of its notable emergence is provided)

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