Researchers at the Jülich Institute for Energy and Climate Research (IEK-9) have developed a fast-charging solid-state battery. The special feature: It can be fully charged in less than an hour.
If the development continues in terms of capacity and energy density, solid-state batteries could soon replace lithium-ion batteries and thus become the energy storage system for electric vehicles of the generation after next.
Conventional lithium-ion batteries, such as those used in electric cars, have a liquid electrolyte. Solid-state batteries, on the other hand, do not contain any liquid components that could leak or catch fire. This makes them insensitive to heat and they are considered much safer, more reliable and longer-lasting than conventional lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the components of the new solid-state battery are largely non-toxic.
HIGH CURRENT FLOW THANKS TO SIMILAR MATERIALS
Until now, their biggest shortcoming was the charging time. Ten to twelve hours had to be reckoned with, because the high resistances at the internal solid-state interfaces only allow low charging and discharging currents. The new cell type now needs less than one hour.
Behind the concept is a clever choice of materials that allows ten times greater currents during charging and discharging. "The anode, cathode and electrolyte are all made of phosphate compounds that fit together chemically and mechanically very well," says Hermann Tempel, working group leader at IEK-9, explaining the special feature of the newly developed technology. This leads to a good mechanical fit. Thus, their charge rate, which indicates the maximum current of the battery in relation to its capacity, is 3C at a capacity of about 50 mAh/g.
APPLICATION OF THE SOLID STATE BATTERY FOR E-MOBILITY AND SMART-HOME
In tests, the capacity of the new solid-state battery proves to be stable. After more than 500 charging and discharging cycles, it was over 84 percent of its initial value. The researchers' goal is to realise losses of less than one percent in the future. Coupled with the use of low-cost materials, these cells were very well suited for storage solutions in the electromobility and smart home sectors. "Since, in contrast to lithium-ion batteries, they also do not heat up excessively or even explode when damaged, they would also be a safe alternative for smartphones and other mobile computers," Institute Director Prof. Rüdiger Eichel adds about the possible applications.
If you are interested in other innovations on the subject of batteries, take a look at our article on battery recycling!
