This milestone in solid-state lithium batteries could make EVs safer, more efficient

Researchers from McGill University have achieved a major milestone in all-solid-state lithium batteries. Their breakthrough could make EVs safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting.

Currently, most EVs rely on lithium-ion batteries. These batteries have liquid components that are flammable, posing a safety risk. They also degrade over time, which reduces their performance and the distance a car can travel before needing to recharge.

But all-solid-state batteries offer a promising alternative. These batteries replace the flammable liquid with solid materials, making them much safer. They also have the potential to store more energy, allowing EVs to have a significantly longer range.

However, a major hurdle in developing these advanced batteries has been a phenomenon called “interfacial resistance.”

Interfacial resistance occurs at the point where the two main components of the battery, the electrodes and the electrolyte, meet. In all-solid-state batteries, this creates a blockage, similar to a bottleneck. “This makes the battery less efficient and reduces how much energy it can deliver,” said the researchers in a press release.

Overcoming interfacial resistance

Under the guidance of Professor George Demopoulos, the researchers have devised a novel solution to this problem. They have tackled this critical challenge that has been holding back the development of all-solid-state lithium batteries.

“The research team has discovered that creating a porous ceramic membrane, instead of the traditional dense plate, and filling it with a small amount of polymer can resolve this issue,” mentioned the press release.

This structure acts as a bridge, allowing lithium ions – the particles that carry energy within the battery – to move freely between the electrolyte and electrodes.

“By using a polymer-filled porous membrane, we can allow lithium ions to move freely and eliminate the interfacial resistance between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes,” said Demopoulos.

Implications for the future of EVs

This breakthrough has significant implications for the future of EVs , particularly in terms of safety, range, and lifespan.

“This not only improves the battery’s performance but also creates a stable interface for high-voltage operation, one of the industry’s key goals,” added Demopoulos.

By eliminating flammable liquids, all-solid-state batteries drastically reduce the risk of fires, making EVs even safer for drivers and passengers. Furthermore, these batteries have the potential to store more energy, extending the range of EVs significantly.

Besides, the improved stability of all-solid-state batteries translates to a longer lifespan. This means fewer battery replacements will be needed, contributing to the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of EVs in the long run.

“This discovery brings us closer to building the next generation of safer and more efficient batteries for electric vehicles,” concluded Senhao Wang, a PhD graduate and lead author of the study.

Although still under development, the McGill team’s innovation represents a major advance. With continued research, all-solid-state batteries might soon become a reality, reshaping the EV industry and accelerating the shift to a more sustainable future.