A groundbreaking development from researchers at the crafted the first-ever glass electrolyte-based all-solid-state battery cells. This innovation promises a new generation of rechargeable batteries that are safer, charge quicker, and last longer than their predecessors, fitting for everything from mobile devices and electric vehicles to stationary energy storage solutions.
From their base in Austin, Texas, a team of engineers, professor John Goodenough and Maria Helena Braga from the Cockrell School of Engineering, has unveiled these novel all-solid-state battery cells. This innovation is distinguished by its non-combustibility, enduring life cycle, high energy density, and quick charge and discharge rates. Their findings mark a significant step forward in battery technology.
Their newly developed battery cells boast an energy density triple that of current lithium-ion batteries. This advancement could dramatically extend the driving range of electric vehicles, allowing them to travel farther between charges. Furthermore, the UT Austin battery formulation supports an increased number of charge/discharge cycles and a substantially quicker recharge time.
Traditional lithium-ion batteries rely on liquid electrolytes to facilitate the movement of lithium ions between the anode and cathode. This design, however, poses risks of short circuits and potential explosions due to the formation of dendrites during rapid charging. The UT team’s use of glass electrolytes eliminates this risk, enabling the employment of an alkali-metal anode (such as lithium, sodium, or potassium) and significantly enhancing the cathode’s energy density while ensuring a long life cycle. Their experiments have demonstrated more than 1,200 cycles with minimal cell resistance.
A notable feature of the solid-glass electrolytes is their high conductivity even at -20 degrees Celsius, making them ideal for use in cold climates. This marks the first all-solid-state battery cell capable of operating below 60 degrees Celsius.
The journey to this innovation began with Braga’s work on solid-glass electrolytes at the University of Porto in Portugal. Collaboration with Goodenough and Andrew J. Murchison at UT Austin led to a breakthrough in electrolyte composition and properties, now patented through the UT Austin Office of Technology Commercialization.
These glass electrolytes not only simplify battery cell fabrication by preventing dendrite formation on both the cathode and anode but also pave the way for using eco-friendly materials. Braga highlighted the potential to substitute lithium with low-cost sodium, easily sourced from seawater.
As Goodenough and Braga continue their research, they seek partnerships with battery manufacturers to test their novel materials in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
Supported by UT Austin, this groundbreaking work is not grant-funded but is in the licensing negotiation stage with several companies across different battery industry segments.