Solid State Batteries

The quest for a better battery to meet the needs of applications such as electric vehicles and consumer electronics has been ongoing for many years. The need for higher energy density, safer lithium batteries that are low cost are the main performance criteria for the industry. This has led many researchers to attempt the modification and optimization of the lithium ion battery, but there is limited energy density to be obtained from the lithium ion battery, and there is still a safety challenge as the separator used in these batteries does not suppress lithium dendrites. Higher energy density can be achieved by developing a solid-state lithium metal battery instead of a lithium ion, in which a thin lithium metal anode is used instead of graphite, increasing the energy density from 700 Wh/L (250-300 Wh/Kg) to about 1200 Wh/L (400-500Wh/Kg). In order to enable the use of a thin lithium metal anode, the separator must suppress dendrites. It is well known that porous or even solid polymers do not suppress dendrites and therefore the challenge is to find a dense highly conductive lithium ion conductor that can be used for the separator of solid-state batteries. Recent study and review of these electrolyte materials by Oakridge National Lab (ORNL) suggests that their new goal is to develop a glass-like material that is highly conductive, electrochemically stable, low electronic conductivity and low cost. These enabling materials as well as our material and solutions to developing a high energy density, safe solid state battery will be discussed and presented in this study.