Simple tweak creates safer, more efficient solid-state batteries (newatlas.com)
Tailoring of the Anti-Perovskite Solid Electrolytes at the Grain-Scale
The development of thin, dense, defect-free solid electrolyte films is key for achieving practical and commercially viable solid-state batteries. Herein, we showcase a facile processing pathway for antiperovskite (Li2OHCl) solid electrolyte materials that can yield films/pellets with very high densities (~100%) and higher conductivities compared with conventional uniaxially pressed pellets. We have also achieved close to 50% improvement in the critical current density of the material and an improved lithiophilicity due to the surface nitrogen enrichment of the processed pellets. Distribution of relaxation time analysis supports the contributions from “faster” transport mechanisms for the antiperovskite films/pellets developed using the new protocol. Overall, the results highlight the feasibility of our new processing pathway for engineering antiperovskite solid electrolytes at the grain scale as a highly desirable approach for practical all-solid-state batteries.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has come up with a small tweak that could have big consequences. By making a small change to how a type of solid-state battery is made, the scientists managed to eliminate defects in the electrolyte film, opening the way to safer and more efficient batteries.
Solid-state batteries have a lot of promise. Unlike current lithium-ion batteries, solid-state ones don't contain flammable liquids, which is a major drawback as illustrated by stories of laptops and electric cars bursting into flames. Solid-state batteries are also less toxic, have higher energy densities, charge faster, and survive more recharge cycles without degenerating.
One electrolyte film is made from antiperovskite (Li2OHCl), where pellets of the material are pressed together into sheets. These often produce undesirable defects that reduce efficiency.
To overcome this, the Oak Ridge team added the step of heating the press and then letting the electrolyte cool under pressure. The result was a film free from bubbles and higher in surface nitrogen enrichment that was also almost 1,000 times more conductive, showed a close to 50% improvement in the critical current density, and better lithiophilicity, which is a key factor in solid-state battery stability.
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