Solid State Batteries - Everything you need to know

For years, lithium-ion batteries have been a staple in many parts of the manufacturing process. The rise in the popularity of electric vehicles led to a significant rise in the production and usage of lithium-ion batteries. These batteries use liquid electrolytes with anodes and cathodes for the production of energy. Solid-state batteries are more advanced and safer in comparison.

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What is a solid-state battery?

A solid-state battery uses an electrolyte in the solid state instead of the liquid state, as seen in lithium-ion batteries. A typical solid state battery consists of a composite layer of the cathode, a solid electrolyte layer made of sulfide, and an anode that is made of micro-silicon. This setup leads to the transfer of electrons from the anode to the cathode.

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Advantages of solid-state battery over liquid state

Safer Option: The liquid electrolyte which is used in the case of lithium-ion batteries tends to be flammable, which could lead to explosions. A solid-state battery almost cancels out the possibility for an explosion to occur. This is one of the reasons why a solid-state battery is a more stable option, too, since the solid electrolyte is not volatile in any manner.

Better Option for vehicles: A solid-state battery has a higher energy density as compared to a liquid-state battery. Researchers have concluded that these solid-state batteries are theoretically better than liquid-state batteries and are a better option for vehicles.

Compact and Lightweight: A solid-state battery is more compact and lightweight as compared to liquid-state batteries. Thus, it allows for lesser constraints and more features to be inserted into the car since these batteries are also known to speed up charging.

Current Scenario

The usage of solid-state batteries in the current scenario is still sparse. But more companies have been paying close attention to this new innovation. There is still a lot of work to be done, but there is a lot of hope for the future.

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Disadvantages

This technology has some impediments that can be a problem for the researchers and scientists moving into the future:

• This is a fairly new technology. Much of its use and ability is theoretical for now and there is a limited knowledge about the solid-state battery.
• This battery needs to be heated to a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius which is not possible in cold weathers for cars.
• The usage of this battery leads to the production of stick like structures called dendrites. This leads to faster degradation of this battery. These structures can also lead to malfunctions and short-circuiting.

There is still a lot of development which is needed for these batteries to be of optimum use to the drivers around the world!