Researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have developed a novel sulfide-based solid electrolyte with unprecedented ionic conductivity.
The achievement could potentially unlock the widespread commercialization of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSBs).
It promises to accelerate the development of safer, higher-performing batteries for everything from electric vehicles to portable electronics.
ASSBs are considered a next-generation energy storage solution, offering the potential for significantly higher energy density and improved safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries that utilize liquid electrolytes.
“However, their commercialization remains challenging due to the lack of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) with both high ionic conductivity and stable interfaces,” said the researchers in a press release.
Achieving record-breaking ionic conductivity
The research team, led by Prof. Wu Zhongshuai and Assoc. Prof. Shi Haodong, created the electrolyte, Li20/3(GeSiSb)1/3S5I (LGSSSI), using a unique multi-cation doping and substitution strategy.
This innovative approach resulted in an exceptionally low lithium-ion migration activation energy (0.17 eV), leading to record-breaking ionic conductivity.
“After cold pressing, LGSSSI achieved an ionic conductivity of 12.7 mS/cm, which further increased to 32.2 mS/cm after hot pressing,” highlighted the researchers in a press release.
These figures significantly surpass the current industry standard of 10 mS/cm at room temperature, a crucial milestone for practical application.
“Our study lays a foundation for achieving ASSBs with wide temperature adaptability, high cathode loading, and long cycle life,” said Prof. Wu.
Superior battery performance
“Intergraed with LGSSSI, ASSBs achieved high cycling stability under ultra-high cathode mass loading (100 mg/cm2) and across a wide temperature range (-20°C to 60°C),” added the press release.
This represents a significant advancement, as ASSBs have historically struggled with performance limitations at extreme temperatures and high loading conditions.
Furthermore, LGSSSI showed excellent interfacial compatibility with a range of commonly used cathode and anode materials, including LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2, LiCoO2 cathodes, lithium-indium alloy, and silicon-carbon composite anodes.
“These findings advance sulfide SSEs for high-performance and wide-temperature ASSBs,” concluded the researchers in a study that is published in ACS Energy Letters.
Challenges in SSB development
Scientists are actively looking to develop solid-state batteries (SSBs). These batteries are being considered a game-changer for the EV industry, as they promise to enhance energy storage, range, and longevity.
Recently, a team at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) discovered that the formation of an interphase layer at the interface between the solid electrolyte and the cathode was a major obstacle in developing SSBs. They are now working on developing strategies to mitigate the negative effects of this layer.
Meanwhile, a new study has painted a different picture about SSBs. It has indicated that the anticipated energy density benefits of solid-state lithium-metal batteries might be overstated.
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The findings reveal that an all-solid-state lithium metal battery might have a mere 0.74% more energy than the conventional lithium-ion batteries boast.
Nonetheless, the latest development regarding LGSSSI represents a crucial step forward in overcoming a major hurdle to the commercialization of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs).
