We believe that lithium-based solid-state batteries could become the next major battery step forward, by eliminating liquid flammable electrolytes. However, we are unlikely to get there without first mastering the boundaries in solid electrolytes that seed lithium dendrites.
Please stay with us for a moment, as we confirm our understanding of this complex challenge. Then we will probe highly significant research together that could prevent these dendrites forming.
Why We Must Master Solid Electrolyte Dendrites
The tiny lithium structures that we call dendrites, form independently in the solid electrolyte. These needle-like growths can gradually spread through the solid electrolyte, and eventually cause an internal short circuit, and battery failure.
This is why preventing dendrite formation while maintaining fast ion transport, has become a major focus of battery research. But what have scientists achieved thus far in their laboratories?
Current Research Into Solid Lithium Batteries
Scientists have been investigating every aspect of the solid electrolyte, from its chemical composition to its microscopic structure. They hope, thereby, to better understand the factors that limit performance.
Solving the problem of dendrites is essential before solid-state batteries could achieve their commercial potential. We move on to breaking news regarding mastering the boundaries in solid lithium electrolytes, that should prove a step forward.
The Key Is Mastering The Grain Boundaries
Grain boundaries are tiny joining lines where microscopic crystals meet inside solids, including solid electrolytes. This aspect has not attracted as much interest to date. Indeed, the main focus has continued to be the relationship between electrolyte and electrodes.
But that approach seems set to change, thanks to groundbreaking work by a team at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Groundbreaking Discovery Regarding These Boundaries
The team found that tiny boundaries between microscopic crystals inside a solid electrolyte can create electrical imbalances. And that these imbalances hinder lithium ion movement, and encourage lithium metal to accumulate.
This accumulation in turn increases the risk of dendrite formation, and short circuits.The team reduced these electrical imbalances through improved material processing. This limited dendrite formation, and significantly increased the battery’s tolerance to higher charging currents before failure.
Your Take Away – The Broader Implications
The MIT findings are an important advance but still represent research rather than a commercial solution. Mastering the boundaries in solid electrolytes should improve the overall safety, performance and durability of future solid-state lithium batteries, but only time can confirm this.
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