Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed new technology that could lead to EVs that are less prone to battery failure related fires while increasing potential energy storage. Reducing the formation of lithium dendrites could pave the way for a viable all-solid-state EV battery.
The method, published in Nature, utilizes an “interlayer” within the battery to reduce lithium dendrite formation. Currently, EVs commonly employ a lithium-ion battery that contains a flammable liquid electrolyte. The creation of an all-solid-state battery could provide a safer alternative to current EV configurations but current solid-state technologies posed drawbacks that were difficult to overcome. Due to the high charging and discharging rates required by EVs lithium dendrites grew toward the cathode side of the battery, eventually leading to short circuits and a sharp reduction in capacity.
The new method presented by the researchers employs a fluorine-rich interlayer to stabilize the cathode side as well as utilizing magnesium and bismuth to suppress the lithium dendrite. “Solid-state batteries are next-generation because they can achieve high energy and safety. In current batteries, if you achieve high energy, you’ll sacrifice safety,” said Chunsheng Wang, Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
To commercialize the product the researchers will need to scale down the solid electrolyte layer to a similar thickness to that of the current electrolyte to achieve improved energy density. Solid Power, an advanced battery manufacturer, plans to begin trials of the new tech with the eventual goal of bringing the new technology to market by 2026.