02/11/2021
"In quest of batteries that supply more power and run more safely, researchers are seeking to replace the liquids commonly used in today’s lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries with solid materials. Now, a research team led by Brown University and the University of Maryland has produced a new material for use in solid-state batteries that’s obtained from an odd source: trees.
Today’s Li-ion batteries feature electrolytes produced from lithium salt dissolved in a liquid organic solvent. The electrolyte’s duty is to transmit lithium ions between a battery’s cathode and anode. Liquid electrolytes function well but have some drawbacks; at high currents, small filaments of lithium metal, called dendrites, can grow in the electrolyte, leading to short circuits. In addition, liquid electrolytes are created using flammable and hazardous compounds, which might catch fire.
Solid electrolytes have the ability to avoid dendrite pe*******on and may be produced from non-flammable materials. Most of the solid electrolytes explored so far are ceramic materials, which are good at conducting ions but are also dense, inflexible and brittle. Stresses during manufacturing as well as charging and discharging can cause to cracking and breakage."
