Delft research brings new generation of batteries a step closer
For large scale introduction of electric cars it is important to develop safer batteries with more capacity compared to the current Li-ion batteries. The research group of Marnix Wagemaker brought a new generation of batteries a step closer with their research into solid state batteries.
Solid state batteries have an electrolyte of a solid substance, in contrast to the toxic and flammable liquid electrolytes in current Li-ion batteries. Researchers call these types of batteries promising, because in theory you can achieve an energy density that is twice as high as that of Li-ion batteries. Moreover, the batteries are much safer. However, it turns out to be difficult to develop the optimal solid state battery. The challenge lies in the stability of the electrolytes. These electrolytes have not yet been properly understood, which means that it is currently not possible to achieve an optimal life-cycle.
The research group of Marnix Wagemaker now discovered which chemical reactions make solid state batteries unstable. This was published in Nature Materials on 13 January 2020. Thanks to the understanding of these reactions, it is clear how stability can be increased, paving the way for the development of future solid state batteries.