Safe lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries may have seemed a pipe dream, although solid state technology is changing that. The design uses mixed metal oxides of lithium, cobalt, manganese, and nickel to form positively charged cathodes for electric vehicles. Although these high-operating-voltage, and high-energy-density cells may fail at high temperatures.
A Safe Solid State Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Battery
A new, temperature-safe lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide battery prototype by startup Ilika, is changing the rules of the game. An independent nail penetration test by University College London confirmed the integrity of the design as follows:
- The penetration test simulated a ‘catastrophic incident; that often leads to thermal runaway, according to Interesting Engineering. This is a condition in which liquid-electrolyte lithium-ion batteries ‘can explode or catch fire’.
- The Ilika prototype Goliath 1 battery, which uses solid electrolyte, remained below 176°F (80°C)throughout the trial. This made it exponentially safer than lithium-ion batteries, which may reach 1112°F (600°C) under similar conditions.
The Ilika battery also did not display the warning signs, that lithium-ion batteries may show while they are overheating. These symptoms include hazardous swelling, rupturing, or fire that are all potential precursors to an explosion.
The Significance of The Successful Nail Penetration Test
Lithium metal remains the most successful active battery material in terms of high voltage and high density. Lithium-ion batteries have been remarkably successful in capturing their market, despite growing concerns for their safety.
The problem has always been with their flammable, liquid electrolyte. Solid-state batteries do away with that risk, although they have failed to match lithium-ion battery liquid electrolyte performance.
The Goliath 1 battery is an interesting proposition, for it combines reliable solid state theory with the electro-chemical potential of lithium metal. Samples of the prototype design are with Ilika customers for extensive trials.
More Information
Solid State EV Battery Race Accelerating
Solid State Battery Technology Potential
