Scientists from Argonne have created an innovative protective layer to enhance the stability of solid-state batteries.
In a groundbreaking development, scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory have created a method to coat sulfide-based solid electrolytes. This innovative approach could revolutionize energy storage by offering better energy density, safety, and lifespan.
The researchers are collaborating with a commercial partner to produce larger quantities of the coated electrolyte for demonstration in larger format batteries. This collaboration is part of the team's efforts to scale up this method.
Solid-state batteries (SSBs) use solid electrolytes instead of the liquid ones found in regular lithium-ion batteries. One of the challenges for SSBs is that solid electrolytes can break down when exposed to humidity and oxygen, especially for high-performance, sulfide-based solid electrolytes like lithium phosphorus sulfur chloride (LPSCl).
The protective coating developed by the Argonne Scientists is aimed at boosting the stability of solid-state batteries. The coating acts as a shield and modifies the surface's electronic structure, making the materials more resistant to moisture and oxygen. Even a very thin coating, just a few nanometers thick, can act as a strong barrier.
Handling these materials under harsher conditions would simplify manufacturing, according to materials scientist Zachary Hood. This approach could result in significant savings in the upfront cost of factories, while also improving reliability. The ability to work with these materials in less controlled environments is a key advantage.
Future research will focus on exploring other coating chemistries. The development could potentially lead to the use of existing infrastructure similar to what is used for lithium-ion batteries. This could extend battery life and lower manufacturing costs, making SSBs a more viable option for mass production.
The coating is applied using atomic layer deposition (ALD), a versatile technique that allows precise control over the thickness and composition of the coating. The coated electrolytes perform much better than uncoated ones in tests with high humidity and oxygen, remaining stable with little degradation.
SSBs could revolutionize energy storage by offering better energy density, safety, and lifespan. With this development, we are one step closer to realizing the potential of solid-state batteries.
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