A new review from the University of California, Riverside, published in the journal Nano Energy, outlines significant advantages of solid-state batteries that could radically change electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and other fields.
Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries use a solid material — making them safer, charging faster (up to 12 minutes, sometimes even 3), operating at lower temperatures, and storing more energy in a more compact form.
Professor Cengiz Ozkan explains that solid electrolytes (based on sulfides, oxides, or polymers) provide stable lithium-ion movement without the risk of overheating or fire, and the latest imaging methods allow researchers to study the internal processes of the battery in real-time.
Solid-state batteries are also more durable — they can last 15 to 20 years compared to 5 to 8 years for conventional lithium-ion batteries, and are better suited for extreme conditions, making them promising for space missions.
Despite obvious advantages, production of such batteries remains expensive and complex. Scientists are proposing ways to solve these issues to make solid-state batteries accessible in the near future.