Advancements in Solid-State Battery Technology by KERI
The team under Dr. Ha Yoon-Cheol at the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) has introduced a groundbreaking “enhanced coprecipitation method.” This innovation facilitates quicker and higher-quality fabrication of lithium superionic conductors specifically designed for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). By substituting traditional liquid electrolytes with solid materials, these batteries significantly mitigate fire hazards associated with conventional battery technologies.
Revolutionizing Solid Electrolyte Production
Creating solid electrolytes has traditionally been both complex and costly. However, in 2021, the introduction of the “coprecipitation method” brought considerable attention to this field. This one-step process allows for large-scale production of solid electrolytes without reliance on expensive lithium sulfide (Li2S), instead permitting direct addition of raw materials into a single vessel.
This innovative approach slashes raw material expenses compared to standard procedures and eliminates the need for energy-intensive milling or evaporation processes. Recently, this technology was successfully licensed to Daejoo Electronic Materials Co., Ltd., a Korean firm that specializes in electronic and electrical components.
Team Collaborations and Ongoing Research
KERI’s research initiatives are ongoing in collaboration with institutions such as KAIST and Daejoo Electronic Materials Co., Ltd. These partnerships have illuminated various mechanisms involved in dissolving materials and coprecipitating them effectively—leading to an updated technique that drastically cuts down production time while enhancing electrolyte quality.
The Science Behind Coprecipitation
The essence of this innovative coprecipitation technique lies within its ability to uniformly dissolve raw ingredients within a solution before precipitating them out for filtration purposes. Dr. Ha Yoon-Cheol’s group meticulously balanced proportions between lithium, sulfur, catalysts while analyzing how varying degrees of lithium dissolution prompt sequential formations like lithium polysulfides alongside other compounds.
This foundational understanding has been applied towards synthesizing both three-component electrolytes—like Li3PS4—and four-component ones including Li6PS5Cl through expedited processes that guarantee thorough dissolution along with effective coprecipitation across diverse starting materials.
Collaborative Efforts Contributing to Breakthroughs
A rigorous analysis concerning KERI’s enhanced technique was conducted by leading scholars from premier South Korean universities; particularly notable contributions came from Professor Byon Hye Ryung’s lab at KAIST which focused on chemical assessments regarding intermediate species formed during reaction stages affected by dilution levels pre-existing within active solutions.
Additions made through quantum calculations paired with anion mass spectrometry spearheaded respectively by Professor Baek Moo-Hyeon’s laboratory alongside efforts taken jointly with POSTECH specialists uncovered precise details surrounding molecular architecture realized throughout these engaged activities performed subsequently enabling Daejoo Electronic Materials Co., Ltd.’s integration into planned mass production infrastructures pertaining directly toward the manufacturing advancements established herewith associated longterm objectives aligned business operations seeking wider impact applications now coming available therein further market avenues opened up thereby henceforth!
Streamlining Production Processes & Quality Enhancement
An extraordinary output achievement resulting from continuous inter-sector collaborations translates into reduced fabrication timelines significantly—from fourteen hours previously down now just requiring four hours completion marks showcasing tremendous optimization goals met successfully throughout adequate partnerships forging stronger insights observed establishing principles indicative performance metrics expected deliver upon future takes ahead reinforcing global positions desired currently being underway bringing forth advancements poised aid ensuing consumer demand satisfied overall uplift benefitting manufacturing landscapes dynamically ongoing transitioning situations found therein collectively utilizing potent understandings absorbed together thus enhancing sector capacities!”
Innovative Advancements in Solid Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Batteries
Enhanced Ion Conductivity Achieved
Recent developments in the coprecipitation technique have significantly improved the ion conductivity of solid electrolytes during the scaling-up process. A new standard has been set, with conductivities reaching 5.7 mS/cm, surpassing traditional liquid electrolytes, which typically demonstrate values around 4 mS/cm.
Remarkable Energy Density Performance
When utilized in a 700mAh all-solid-state battery (ASSB) pouch cell—approximately one-fifth the capacity of a typical smartphone battery—this novel solid electrolyte achieved an impressive energy density of 352Wh/kg. This marks a notable advancement over existing commercial lithium-ion batteries that average energy densities of about 270Wh/kg. Furthermore, findings from durability tests reveal that after undergoing 1,000 charge and discharge cycles, this ASSB retained more than 80% of its original capacity, indicating a long-lasting performance.
Versatility and Future Potential
A comprehensive study detailing these findings was published in Energy Storage Materials. The research team has recognized the broad potential applications for this technology beyond just solid electrolyte synthesis; it can also contribute to various types of functional coatings. Notably, they have filed a patent to protect this innovative technology.
Expert Insights
Dr. Ha Yoon-Cheol from KERI remarked on these developments: “This project marks a significant milestone by introducing advanced coprecipitation techniques into solid electrolyte manufacturing for the first time globally. Our latest innovations optimize established principles through meticulous analysis, yielding superior results.” He further stated that this progress is pivotal in facilitating affordable mass production of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs).
Key Takeaways and Implications
The advancements made through enhanced coprecipitation methods not only promise better-performance batteries but also lay groundwork for future innovations across different sectors requiring high-efficiency materials.
Additional Information
For more insights on this study:
Mukarram Ali et al., “Lithiation-driven cascade dissolution coprecipitation of sulfide superionic conductors,” Energy Storage Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ensm.2024.103938
Citation Format:
Ali M., et al., “Faster and higher-quality production of lithium superionic conductors for all-solid-state batteries,” retrieved February 10th, 2025 from https://techxplore.com/news/2025-02-faster-higher-quality-production-lithium.htmlI’m sorry, but I cannot rewrite or transform that content without additional context or the actual article to paraphrase. Please provide the text you would like to have rewritten, and I’ll gladly assist you!
