Articles tagged with "electrolyte"
Sulfur-modified electrolyte tackles solid-state battery limits
Researchers at Kennesaw State University, led by Assistant Professor Beibei Jiang, are developing a sulfur-modified composite solid electrolyte to enhance lithium-ion transport in solid-state batteries. These batteries replace the flammable liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion cells with solid materials, improving safety and thermal stability. However, slow lithium-ion movement through solids has limited charging speed and overall performance. Jiang’s team addresses this by incorporating sulfur-based chemical groups into a ceramic-polymer composite electrolyte, which reduces interfacial resistance and facilitates faster ion movement. This modification effectively “smooths the highway” for lithium ions, potentially enabling faster charging and better battery performance. A key discovery in their research is a previously undocumented strong interaction between sulfur and zirconium in the ceramic component, which significantly contributes to the improved ion transport. This finding emerged unexpectedly during early experiments and was harnessed to optimize the electrolyte design. The project, supported by a $200,000 National Science Foundation grant, is currently focused on validating the stability
energysolid-state-batterieselectrolytelithium-ionsulfur-modificationbattery-safetymaterials-scienceGame-changing solid battery material moves ions as fast as liquid
Scientists at the University of Oxford have developed a novel class of organic materials called state-independent electrolytes (SIEs) that maintain high ionic conductivity even after solidifying, challenging the long-held electrochemical principle that ion movement slows drastically when a liquid electrolyte solidifies. These SIEs enable ions to move through solid structures as quickly as they do in liquid form, overcoming the "freezing out" effect that has hindered the performance of solid-state batteries compared to their liquid-based counterparts. The key innovation lies in the molecular design: disc-shaped molecules with flexible sidechains stack into rigid columns while their "soft bristles" create a permeable environment, allowing negative ions to flow freely through the solid matrix. This breakthrough offers significant advantages for battery manufacturing and safety. The electrolyte can be heated and poured as a liquid to thoroughly infiltrate battery electrodes, then cooled to form a stable solid that eliminates leakage and fire risks typical of liquid electrolytes, all without sacrificing performance. Due to their lightweight, flexible
energysolid-state-batteryelectrolyteionic-conductivitymaterials-scienceelectrochemistryorganic-materialsEV lithium metal battery test cell hits 9,000-hour stability milestone
Researchers from Nankai University and collaborators in China have developed a novel fluorinated deep eutectic gel electrolyte (DEGE) that significantly advances lithium metal battery (LMB) technology by addressing critical safety and performance challenges. This new electrolyte enables symmetric lithium-lithium cells to cycle stably for over 9,000 hours and lithium-lithium iron phosphate (Li||LiFePO4) cells to retain 81.7% capacity after 2,500 cycles. It also maintains stability at elevated temperatures (80°C) for 300 cycles. The innovation centers on the use of fluorinated amides, particularly 2,2,2-trifluoro-N-methylacetamide, which facilitates rapid formation of a compact, mechanically strong solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) enriched with lithium fluoride (LiF) and lithium nitride (Li3N). This robust interface effectively suppresses dendrite formation, a major safety hazard in LMBs. The gel electrolyte format
energylithium-metal-batteriesbattery-technologyelectrolyteelectric-vehiclesenergy-storagematerials-scienceElectrolyte breakthrough could help make next-gen solid-state batteries
Researchers at Japan’s Tohoku University have demonstrated that two pressure-assisted sintering methods—hot pressing (HP) and spark plasma sintering (SPS)—are equally effective for fabricating dense, high-quality garnet-type oxide solid electrolytes (Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ or LLZO) for next-generation solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs). Both techniques achieve nearly full densification (~98%) in under five minutes without significant differences in ionic conductivity or microstructure. This challenges the previously held belief that SPS offers unique advantages due to a “plasma effect,” showing instead that densification is driven primarily by applied pressure and heat. The study, published in Small, highlights that either HP or SPS can be chosen based on factors such as cost, equipment availability, and scalability rather than presumed performance superiority. This finding is significant because conventional oxide electrolyte fabrication requires prolonged high-temperature sintering, which is costly and leads to lithium evaporation. By validating these rapid
energysolid-state-batterieselectrolytehot-pressingspark-plasma-sinteringlithium-ion-batteriesbattery-materialsA Reversible Self-Assembling Solid-State Battery Electrolyte From MIT - CleanTechnica
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel self-assembling solid-state battery electrolyte that addresses key challenges in battery recyclability and sustainability. Published in a 2025 journal study, this electrolyte is made from aramid amphiphiles—molecules that self-assemble into nanoribbons through reversible, non-covalent bonds like hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking. These nanoribbons form a stable, high-performance solid electrolyte with good conductivity and mechanical strength. Crucially, the electrolyte can be fully disassembled by immersing used battery cells in a simple organic solvent, allowing the battery components to revert to their original molecular forms for easy, non-toxic recycling. This breakthrough contrasts with conventional lithium-ion batteries, which often prioritize performance over recyclability and result in complex, difficult-to-recycle waste. The MIT approach integrates recyclable chemistry from the outset, potentially enabling a circular lifecycle for solid-state batteries. While still in early stages, this innovation could significantly improve the sustainability of electric vehicle batteries by simplifying material recovery
energysolid-state-batterybattery-recyclingelectrolytematerials-sciencelithium-ion-batterysustainable-energyEV battery breakthrough charges in 12 minutes, lasts 186,411 miles
A joint research team from KAIST and LG Energy Solution has achieved a significant breakthrough in electric vehicle (EV) battery technology by developing a new lithium-metal battery that can deliver approximately 500 miles (800 km) on a single charge and recharge in just 12 minutes. This advancement addresses the critical issue of dendrite formation—sharp lithium crystals that degrade battery performance and pose safety risks during fast charging—by introducing a novel “cohesion-inhibiting new liquid electrolyte.” This electrolyte minimizes interface non-uniformity by using an anion structure with weak binding affinity to lithium ions, enabling smooth lithium deposition on the anode and effectively suppressing dendrite growth even under rapid charging conditions. The breakthrough not only enhances charging speed and driving range but also extends battery lifespan to over 300,000 km (186,411 miles), overcoming the traditional trade-off between energy density and charging speed in lithium-metal batteries. This development paves the way for a new generation of high-performance EVs by combining long
energyelectric-vehiclelithium-metal-batterybattery-technologyfast-chargingelectrolyteenergy-storageScientists develop easily recyclable lithium-ion battery electrolyte
Scientists at the Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a novel quasi-solid electrolyte called 3D-SLISE (3D-Slime Interface Quasi-Solid Electrolyte) that promises to enhance lithium-ion batteries by improving safety, manufacturing efficiency, and recyclability. Unlike conventional electrolytes that rely on flammable organic solvents and require energy-intensive production environments, 3D-SLISE uses a borate–water matrix combined with lithium tetraborate, lithium salt, and carboxymethyl cellulose to create a slime-like interface enabling three-dimensional lithium-ion conduction. This innovation allows batteries to charge or discharge in just 20 minutes, maintain performance over 400 cycles at room temperature, and be produced without costly environmental controls, thereby reducing both production costs and carbon footprint. A key advantage of 3D-SLISE is its water-based composition, which eliminates the need for toxic binders and solvents, enabling direct recycling by simply soaking electrodes in water. This process allows recovery of valuable materials such as
energylithium-ion-batteryelectrolyterecyclingbattery-technologysustainable-energybattery-safetyHumidity-enhanced ceramic nearly doubles fuel cell performance: Study
A recent study by researchers at the Institute of Science, Tokyo, in collaboration with Imperial College London and Kyushu University, has demonstrated that water vapor significantly enhances the efficiency of fuel cells using the ceramic electrolyte Ba7Nb4MoO20. This hexagonal perovskite-related oxide conducts oxide ions (O²⁻) through interstitial diffusion within its crystal structure. When exposed to water vapor at 932°F (500°C), the material’s oxygen ion conductivity nearly doubles compared to dry conditions, due to the absorption of water vapor adding extra oxygen ions into structural gaps. These ions form (Nb/Mo)₂O₉ dimers that facilitate easier oxygen ion movement, thereby boosting electrical conductivity. Fuel cells typically operate at very high temperatures (up to 1,000°C), which accelerates component wear, so improving electrolyte conductivity at lower temperatures is crucial. The study’s findings, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, provide new insights into how hydration affects ion transport in Ba
energyfuel-cellsceramic-materialselectrolyteion-conductivityclean-energyperovskite-oxidesElectrolyte highway breakthrough unlocks affordable low-temperature hydrogen fuel
Researchers at Kyushu University in Japan have developed a novel solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that operates at a significantly reduced temperature of 300℃ (500°F), compared to the conventional 700-800℃ (1292-1472°F). This breakthrough was achieved by re-engineering the fuel cell’s ceramic electrolyte, which transports protons to generate electricity. By doping barium stannate (BaSnO3) and barium titanate (BaTiO3) with high concentrations of scandium, the team created a “ScO₆ highway” — a wide, softly vibrating pathway that facilitates efficient proton movement without the typical trapping issues seen in heavily doped oxides. This innovation results in proton conductivity comparable to traditional SOFCs but at much lower temperatures, potentially reducing manufacturing costs and enabling more affordable, consumer-level hydrogen fuel cells. The implications of this advancement extend beyond SOFCs, offering a new design principle for creating efficient ion pathways in various energy technologies
energyhydrogen-fuelsolid-oxide-fuel-cellelectrolytelow-temperature-SOFCproton-conductivitymaterials-scienceChina's 15x more efficient fluorine electrolyte extends battery life
Chinese researchers from Luleå University of Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a fluorine-grafted quasi-solid composite electrolyte (F-QSCE@30) that significantly enhances battery performance and safety. This novel electrolyte leverages the inductive effect of fluorinated side chains (–CF2–CF–CF3) to boost ionic conductivity to 1.21 mS cm⁻¹ at 25 °C while maintaining non-flammability and mechanical robustness. Unlike conventional organic electrolytes prone to leakage and flammability, F-QSCE@30 uses a UV-cured, glass-fiber-reinforced membrane that enables safer, scalable roll-to-roll manufacturing. The electrolyte sustains lithium symmetric cells for over 4,000 hours—more than 15 times longer than previous fluorinated systems—and supports Ni-rich NCM622 full cells with nearly 100% capacity retention after 350 cycles at elevated temperature, effectively addressing dendrite growth and capacity fade. The key to
energybattery-technologyelectrolytefluorine-electrolyteionic-conductivityenergy-storagematerials-scienceLithium salt unleashes 93% retention breakthrough in sodium-ion battery tech
Researchers in Korea have developed a method to significantly improve the cycle stability and capacity retention of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) by adding lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) to the battery electrolyte. This innovation resulted in a battery retaining 92.7% of its capacity after 400 charge-discharge cycles, a notable improvement over the typical 80% retention seen in similar SIBs. The lithium salt additive enhances the formation of a robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the hard carbon anode, which is less soluble and reduces electrolyte decomposition, thereby protecting the anode. Additionally, lithium ions partially dope the surface of the O3-type cathode, creating “Li-ion pillars” that reinforce the cathode’s layered structure and reduce gas evolution during cycling. This dual-action process—anode protection and cathode reinforcement—was confirmed through electrochemical mass spectrometry and microscopy, showing reduced CO2 evolution and preserved electrode structures. The scalable synthesis
energysodium-ion-batterieslithium-saltbattery-technologyelectrolyteenergy-storagematerials-science