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.

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.

What are SSB batteries & why are they important?

SSBs differ from conventional Li-ion batteries, as they replace the liquid electrolyte with the solid electrolyte, providing significant sustainability benefits. In the movement towards a greener, more efficient energy future, SSBs are critically important in many ways.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of solid-state batteries?

There are also technical advantages to solid-state batteries, as well as logistical and economic ones. Removing the liquid electrolyte makes batteries less susceptible to fires, for example. And while conventional lithium batteries quickly charge up to 80 per cent of their capacity, they charge slowly from there to 100 per cent.

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.

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.