Using quasi-solid-state LLZO electrolytes, which incorporate a small amount of liquid electrolyte, can enhance ionic transport and structural integrity
Researchers have revealed that hybrid approaches to integrate solid-state lithium metal batteries with other materials can boost energy density. Scientists from Tohoku University have advised that using lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide in polymer composite electrolytes can retain high ionic conductivity while improving flexibility and manufacturability.
They stressed that combining LLZO with polymer or gel-based electrolytes can also reduce weight, maintain high performance, boost EV range. Such hybrid designs have showcased improved long-term stability. “Instead of focusing on a fully ceramic solid-state battery, we need to rethink our approach,” said Eric Jianfeng Cheng, lead author of the study and researcher at WPI-AIMR, Tohoku University.Promising next-generation technologySolid-state lithium metal batteries are considered a promising next-generation technology due to their potential for improved safety and energy performance.Researchers also highlighted that apart from their mentioned approaches other techniques’ energy density advantages may be overstated.They also revealed that all-solid-state lithium metal battery using lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide would achieve a gravimetric energy density of only 272 Wh/kg, a marginal increase over the 250-270 Wh/kg offered by current lithium-ion batteries. Given the high production costs and manufacturing challenges associated with LLZO, the findings suggest that composite or quasi-solid-state electrolytes may be more viable alternatives.Practical LLZO-based pouch cellThe detailed modeling of a practical LLZO-based pouch cell challenges the assumption that this material significantly boosts energy density. The study finds that even with an ultrathin 25 μm LLZO ceramic separator and a high-capacity cathode, the battery’s performance remains only slightly ahead of the best conventional lithium-ion cells.“All-solid-state lithium metal batteries have been viewed as the future of energy storage, but our study shows that LLZO-based designs may not provide the expected leap in energy density,” said Cheng. “Even under ideal conditions, the gains are limited, and the cost and manufacturing challenges are significant.”Quasi-solid-state LLZO electrolytesHowever researchers highlighted that using quasi-solid-state LLZO electrolytes, which incorporate a small amount of liquid electrolyte, can enhance ionic transport and structural integrity. This hybrid design can offer significant benefit compared to normal LLZO-based pouch cell.One key issue highlighted in the study is LLZO’s density, which increases the overall cell mass and reduces expected energy benefits. Although the volumetric energy density reaches approximately 823 Wh/L, the added weight and cost of LLZO hinder its practicality, according to a press release.The material’s brittleness, difficulty in fabricating defect-free thin sheets, and issues with lithium dendrites and voids at the interface further complicate large-scale implementation.“LLZO is an excellent material from a stability standpoint, but its mechanical limitations and weight penalty create serious barriers to commercialization,” Cheng explained.Published in Energy Storage Materials, the study underlines the limitations of fully ceramic solid-state batteries and emphasizes the need for practical engineering solutions that balance energy performance, manufacturability, and cost.The study also highlighted that additional research is needed to fully understand the mechanics, interface behavior, Li-ion pathway, and manufacturability of castable LLZO-based sheet electrolytes.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Gets Same Battery as Before in US, Larger Battery in EuropeWhile the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV maintains the same 20 kWh battery as its predecessor in the US, offering an EPA-estimated electric range of 38 miles, European customers receive a larger 22.7 kWh battery, boosting the WLTP range to 53 miles. The European model also benefits from a larger fuel tank, resulting in a total combined range of 524 miles on the WLTP cycle.
Read more »
US breakthrough nuclear battery generates electricity from radioactive waste productsOhio State researchers have developed a battery that converts nuclear waste into electricity using scintillator crystals.
Read more »
How longer-lasting, faster-charging batteries are coming via software updatesBreathe Battery Technologies is building battery management software to boost charging speeds and range for EVs.
Read more »
Nuclear battery that could last for 100 years created in China using radioactive carbonChinese researchers have built the country's first nuclear battery using carbon-14, a rare isotope of carbon, which can run 100 years or even more.
Read more »
2-year-old girl suffers skull fracture after being hit by mother's boyfriend in Will CountyJordan Padilla, 21, of Plainfield, was charged with battery, domestic battery, aggravated battery, aggravated domestic battery, and aggravated battery of a child.
Read more »
Nearly 100% Of Lithium Recycled In Latest EV Battery BreakthroughChinese battery scientists developed a special technique to make battery recycling cheaper and way more efficient.
Read more »