{"id":50572,"date":"2024-03-28T08:54:38","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T08:54:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thepatientinvestor.com\/?p=50572"},"modified":"2024-03-28T08:54:38","modified_gmt":"2024-03-28T08:54:38","slug":"solid-state-lithium-batteries-the-next-generation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thepatientinvestor.com\/index.php\/2024\/03\/28\/solid-state-lithium-batteries-the-next-generation\/","title":{"rendered":"Solid-state Lithium batteries: the next generation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Money is pouring into research into solid-state lithium batteries (SSBs) which promise to leapfrog existing lithium-ion battery technology.<\/p>\n

A battery consists of three parts: a cathode, an anode, and the electrolyte. The cathode releases electrons which are then transported through the electrolyte and received by the anode. Current lithium-ion batteries use a graphite-silicon anode with a liquid electrolyte. Solid-state batteries replace the liquid with a solid electrolyte (SE), normally in a thin film — made from either an oxide, sulfide, a halide or a polymer.<\/p>\n

\"Solid-State<\/p>\n

Metal-halides are gaining more attention due to their excellent compatibility toward oxide cathode materials, acceptable ionic conductivity and wide electrochemical stability. (Science Direct<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

SSB Advantages<\/h2>\n

Solid-state batteries promise greater energy density, better performance at low temperatures, greater safety, faster charging, longer range, and longer battery life.<\/p>\n

Enhanced thermal performance is expected to improve operation at low temperatures — a key weakness in cold climates. Safety is also improved by the solid electrolyte which is unlikely to leak if the battery casing is punctured — for example in a car accident — reducing the risk of a fire.<\/p>\n

Anodes<\/h2>\n

There are still problems that have to be solved. A key stumbling block is the anode.<\/p>\n

Lithium-metal anodes show promise but development has been plagued by dendrites which accumulate on the anode and rapidly reduce its effectiveness. Dendrites are also likely to cause a fire if they grow to the point that they pierce the barrier between the anode and the cathode.<\/p>\n

Other developers have opted for silicon anodes but these present a different problem. Silicon is highly conductive, making it suitable for use in battery construction, but the silicon expands and contracts with each charging cycle, causing deterioration over time.<\/p>\n

State of Progress<\/h2>\n

Toyota, one of the leading developers, has pushed back the planned introduction date for their new SSBs until 2028.<\/p>\n

Another developer, California-based QuantumScape (NYSE:QS), seems to be making progress:<\/p>\n

In January, Volkswagen announced successful testing on a solid-state battery developed by QuantumScape achieved more than 1,000 charging cycles and maintained 95% of its capacity. (The Guardian<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Acknowledgements<\/h4>\n