A joint research team from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has made significant progress in the development of high-energy-density all-solid-state batteries. The team, led by Dr. Seungho Yu of KIST’s Energy Storage Research Center, Dr. Sang Soo Han of KIST’s Computational Science Research Center, and Dr. Brandon Wood of LLNL, has successfully developed a fluorine-substituted chloride-based solid-state electrolyte that exhibits high-voltage stability.
One of the major challenges in the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries is the instability of the electrolyte. Traditional lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolytes, which are prone to fires and explosions. In the pursuit of safer alternatives, researchers have been exploring non-flammable solid electrolytes as a viable option. While sulfide-based solid electrolytes have excellent ionic conductivity, they are chemically unstable when used with high-voltage cathode materials necessary for high-energy-density batteries. This has led to increased interest in chloride-based solid electrolytes, known for their strong bonding properties and stability in high-voltage conditions.
The collaborative research team leveraged the computational science capabilities of LLNL to propose the optimal composition and design principle of a chloride-based solid electrolyte substituted with fluorine. Fluorine has a strong chemical bonding ability, which improves the high-voltage stability of the electrolyte. The team then conducted rigorous laboratory validations at KIST to test the electrochemical stability of the synthesized electrolyte in an all-solid-state battery under high-voltage conditions.
The results were promising, with the fluorine-substituted chloride-based solid electrolyte demonstrating high-voltage stability exceeding 4 V, comparable to that of commercial lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes. This breakthrough paves the way for the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries, as it offers a stable and safer alternative to traditional battery technologies.
The joint research team plans to continue their efforts by focusing on the synthesis process of the material, as well as optimizing the electrode and cell manufacturing processes. These follow-up studies aim to accelerate the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries by further enhancing their performance and scalability.
The development of high-energy-density all-solid-state batteries holds great potential for various industries, including electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and renewable energy storage. These batteries offer higher energy density, longer lifespan, improved safety, and faster charging capabilities compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. As research progresses and more breakthroughs are made, the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries is becoming increasingly feasible, bringing us one step closer to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
