Summary
- Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are using a polymer to create strong, springy thin films for next-generation solid-state batteries
- These thin films may increase energy storage to 500 watt-hours per kilogram, improving battery performance for electric vehicles, laptops, and cell phones
- The polymer binder’s molecular weight is crucial for creating durable solid-state electrolyte films with high conductivity
- Advanced characterization techniques are being used to enhance the electrolyte’s ability to conduct ions effectively and maintain stability
- The team plans to integrate the thin film into next-generation electrodes for practical battery testing and collaborate with industry, academia, and government for further development
Article
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a polymer-based thin film that can be used in next-generation solid-state batteries, which could improve the energy density of batteries in electric vehicles. The film separates the negative and positive electrodes in the battery and provides high-conduction paths for ion movement, leading to higher safety, performance, and energy density compared to current batteries that use liquid electrolytes. This advancement could potentially double energy storage to 500 watt-hours per kilogram, making electric vehicles, laptops, and cell phones run for longer periods before needing a recharge.
The study, published in ACS Energy Letters, focused on optimizing the polymer binder for use with sulfide solid-state electrolytes. The goal was to create a thin film that strikes the right balance between supporting ion conduction and providing structural strength. By using a polymer binder with the appropriate molecular weight, the researchers were able to create durable solid-state electrolyte films that have both good ion conduction and structural integrity. This approach could lead to the development of more efficient solid-state batteries with enhanced performance.
The researchers found that the use of a sulfide solid-state electrolyte, which has ionic conductivity comparable to that of liquid electrolytes, was very promising. The sulfide compounds create a conducting path for the movement of lithium ions during the charge/discharge process, improving the overall performance of the battery. By understanding the molecular weight of the polymer binder, the team was able to enhance the film’s ability to conduct ions effectively while maintaining stability, key factors in developing reliable and efficient solid-state batteries.
The team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is now focused on integrating the thin film into next-generation battery electrodes to test its performance under practical conditions. They plan to collaborate with researchers from industry, academia, and government to further develop and test the film in a variety of devices. This research was sponsored by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office, highlighting the importance of government support in advancing clean energy technology.
The scientists’ use of advanced characterization techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, was crucial in understanding the intricate details of the sulfide solid-state electrolyte sheet. This detailed analysis allowed them to enhance the electrolyte’s ability to conduct ions effectively and maintain stability, essential for the development of next-generation solid-state batteries. The team’s work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory showcases the importance of collaboration, access to specialized materials and facilities, and government support in advancing clean energy technology.
Overall, this research represents a significant step forward in the development of solid-state batteries for electric vehicles and other portable electronics. By optimizing the polymer binder and using sulfide solid-state electrolytes, the team at ORNL has demonstrated that it is possible to improve the energy density, safety, and performance of batteries, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient energy storage solution.
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