What is a solid state battery?

The lithium-ion batteries that we rely on in our phones, laptops and electric cars have a liquid electrolyte, through which ions flow in one direction to charge the battery and the other direction when it is being drained. Solid-state batteries, as the name suggests, replace this liquid with a solid material.

Are solid-state batteries a leading force in the energy transition?

Written by Dillip Kumar Mishra and Jiangfeng Zhang The global pursuit of sustainable energy transition has experienced a paradigm shift towards advanced energy storage technologies, emerging with solid-state batteries (SSBs). This shift could be a leading force in the energy transition.

Are solid-state batteries a good idea?

Solid-state batteries are nothing new – solid electrolytes were created in the 1800s by Michael Faraday, and they are currently used in medical implants. But a technique to manufacture them cheaply has been elusive. The obvious benefits have seen car companies pouring cash into research.

Are solid-state batteries better than Li-ion batteries?

Figure 2: Solid-state battery outlook SSBs use solid electrolytes instead of liquids, as used in Li-ion batteries. SSBs have many advantages over Li-ion batteries, such as higher energy density, enhanced safety, and longer-lasting battery life . However, SSBs are still susceptible to various degradation mechanisms.

What is the difference between a lithium ion and a solid-state battery?

And while conventional lithium batteries quickly charge up to 80 per cent of their capacity, they charge slowly from there to 100 per cent. Solid-state batteries can be fully charged more quickly. Crucially, though, solid electrolytes are less dense, so a solid-state battery can be smaller and lighter than its lithium-ion competitor.

Are SSB batteries a leading force in the energy transition?

This shift could be a leading force in the energy transition. SSBs differ from conventional Li-ion batteries, as they replace the liquid electrolyte with the solid electrolyte, providing significant sustainability benefits.