The Japanese research team made an important breakthrough with the quasi-solid-state lithium-ion battery (LIB).
This will possibly turn out to be non-flammable, overcoming important safety issues pertaining to conventional LIB designs.
Setting New Benchmarks for Battery Safety and Longevity
It was designed by scientists from Doshisha University and TDK Corporation. The new innovation combines the best features of both liquid and solid electrolytes to enhance the safety of the battery without affecting performance. According to Interesting Engineering, this design gives a solution to the long dilemma of improving energy density while keeping cycle performance and safety.
The breakthrough gives rise to a better, safer option for all-solid-state batteries and preserves high energy density, all in a single design.
"The improved safety and charge/discharge performance demonstrated the feasibility of quasi-solid-state batteries as a near-future technology," the team wrote in the abstract.
Development of Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have dominated the energy storage business for decades now. They have led developments in portable electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable energy storage.
While there is always a growing need for higher energy density, the battery's safety and reliability are often the compromise.
Traditional organic electrolytes used in LIBs allow for an increased voltage without flammability, which increases the concern due to their ease of catching on fire. Thus, although SSEs are nontoxic, they do represent a challenge with ensuring stable interfaces where materials come in contact, for example, if electrodes expand with charge/discharge cycles.
In this regard, research and development are moving toward creating safe joint interphase material that increases its elasticity and ionic conductivity.
Recent developments in polymer electrolytes and non-flammable organic solvents show promise for improving the stability and performance of next-generation LIBs. However, slow lithium-ion transfer and interface degradation remain obstacles that need to be addressed.
Advantages of Quasi-Solid-State Batteries
The new quasi-solid-state LIB developed by the Japanese team has several advantages. The battery features a silicon (Si) negative electrode paired with a LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) positive electrode—both regarded as next-generation materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
What sets this design apart is the utilization of a solid lithium-ion conducting glass-ceramic sheet (LICGC™) from OHARA as an electrolyte separator between electrodes.
Researchers also provided nearly saturated, non-flammable electrolyte solutions specifically designed to be compatible with both electrodes. These solutions contained tris (2,2,2-trifluoromethyl) phosphate and methyl 2,2,2-trifluoromethyl carbonate that were compatible with the solid electrolyte interface and the electrodes.
The resultant cells, having an energy storage capability of 30 mAh, showed superior electrochemical performance along with excellent thermal stability and high ionic conductivity. This is very important for reaching the safer, yet more efficient Li-ion batteries that are expected.
Unparalleled Thermal Ability and Performance
The most vital advantage of the battery is based on its ability to achieve better thermal stability in its quasi-state-of-the-art structure. Tested under high temperature—around 150 °C—it demonstrated optimal thermal stability since side reactions and generation of heat are less than comparable former designs and architectures.
Tests with Accelerating Rate Calorimetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy verified that the quasi-solid-state battery is characterized by its high charge/discharge capacity, strong cycle performance, and even slight changes in internal resistance following long-term application. These observations further strengthen the potential of this battery as a reliable and safe energy storage material.
Future Lithium-Ion Batteries
The development of quasi-solid-state lithium-ion batteries marks a major creation in battery technology. Not only does it enhance safety but also fulfills the long-awaited need for higher energy density and longer-lasting performance.
With growing demand for reliable and eco-friendly energy storage solutions, this new battery design may be the first step toward further innovations in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and more.
With the continuous improvement and refinement of these technologies, quasi-solid-state batteries are likely to be at the forefront of future energy storage, offering a balance between safety, durability, and high performance.
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