The Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR) at Tohoku University is making significant progress in the field of solid-state batteries, which are seen as a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Here’s a simplified overview of their recent findings:
What Are Solid-State Batteries?
Solid-state batteries use solid materials instead of liquid electrolytes to store energy. This change makes them safer and more durable, reducing risks like leaks or fires that can happen with liquid batteries.
Key Developments
Materials Research: Researchers are focusing on new materials called inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs). These include substances like oxides and sulfides, which help improve the performance of solid-state batteries. These materials can also serve as parts of the battery that help with energy transfer, making the batteries work better overall.
Innovative Techniques: The team has developed new methods to create these materials with specific properties that enhance battery safety and energy storage. Eric Jianfeng Cheng, an associate professor at AIMR, emphasized that fine-tuning these materials is essential for creating batteries that last longer and are safer than current liquid-based options.
Challenges Ahead: Despite the advancements, there are still challenges to overcome. One major issue is ensuring that the solid electrolytes work well with other battery components, like electrodes. If they don’t fit together properly, it can lead to problems that affect battery life and efficiency.
Future Directions: The researchers believe that continued exploration of new materials and techniques will lead to practical solid-state batteries that can significantly improve how we store and use energy in devices like electric cars and renewable energy systems.
This research was recently published in the *Journal of Materials Chemistry A*, highlighting the importance of ongoing innovation in battery technology for a more sustainable future.
Read More
[1] https://www.wpi-aimr.tohoku.ac.jp/en/achievements/press/2024/20241220_001898.html
[2] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/energy-research/articles/10.3389/fenrg.2014.00025/full
[3] https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/imd/imd-2/news/news/new-publication-on-an-inexpensive-method-of-manufacturing-composite-cathodes-for-solid-state-batteries-in-the-journal-advanced-science
[4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-019-0431-3
[5] https://www.isi.fraunhofer.de/en/blog/themen/batterie-update/feststoffbatterien-markt-potenziale-herausforderungen-materialien-komponenten-zellkonzepte.html
[6] https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ta/c9ta04555d
[7] https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1068913
[8] https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00568-3