Nature. <\/em><\/p>\nLithium-ion battery risks<\/h3>\n In the US, at least 750,000 registered EVs run on lithium-ion batteries. This is because the technology has a high energy storage capacity.<\/p>\n
However, lithium-ion batteries contain a flammable liquid electrolyte that burns when overheated.<\/p>\n
Currently, electric car battery fires appear to be relatively rare, but they pose particular risks. The National Transportation Safety Board has reported that first responders are vulnerable to safety risks. These include electric shock and exposure to toxic gases emanating from damaged batteries.<\/p>\n
Problems with solid-state batteries<\/h3>\n Solid-state batteries have benefits over lithium-ion batteries, having the potential to lead to safer vehicles. However, creating a strategy to bypass the drawbacks of the battery technology was challenging.<\/p>\n
When operated at the high capacities and charging-discharging rates that EVs demand, solid-state batteries grow lithium dendrites on the cathode side. This causes short circuits and a decay in capacity.<\/p>\n
Preventing lithium dendrite growth<\/h3>\n In 2021, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Professor Chunsheng Wang and Postdoctoral Associate Hongli Wan began to develop a theory for lithium dendrite growth. However, it remains a matter of scientific debate.<\/p>\n
Wan stated: \u201cAfter we figured out that part, we proposed redesigning the interlayers that would effectively suppress the lithium dendrite growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
The researchers\u2019 battery technology is unique because it stabilises the interfaces between the solid electrolyte and the anode and the electrolyte and the cathode.<\/p>\n
The new battery structure adds a fluorine-rich interlayer that stabilises the cathode side. It modifies the anode\u2019s interlayer with magnesium and bismuth, supressing the lithium dendrite.<\/p>\n
\u201cSolid-state batteries are next-generation because they can achieve high energy and safety. In current batteries, if you achieve high energy, you\u2019ll sacrifice safety,\u201d said Wang.<\/p>\n
Steps to commercialise solid-state batteries<\/h3>\n The researchers must solve other challenges before the battery enters the market. The experts will have to scale down the solid electrolyte layer to achieve a similar thickness to the lithium-ion batteries\u2019 electrolyte. This will improve energy density, helping to commercialise solid-state batteries.<\/p>\n
High costs of basic materials are another challenge.<\/p>\n
The team aims to release the new batteries to the market by 2026. Solid Power, an advanced battery manufacturer, plans to begin trials of the new technology to assess its potential for commercialisation.<\/p>\n
The researchers aim to continue their work to boost energy density.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
University of Maryland researchers have developed solid-state batteries to stop lithium dendrite formation. Read more here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":39006,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24425],"tags":[24163],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
New solution stabilising solid-state batteries for next-generation EVs<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n