A new lithium-ion battery chemistry combines a solid-state electrolyte and an all-silicon anode. The battery design was demonstrated to be safe, long lasting, and energy dense, making it ideal for grid storage and electric vehicle applications.

Advanced solid-state batteries with high energy densities conventionally rely on metallic lithium as an anode, The all solid-state battery consists of a cathode composite layer, a sulfide solid electrolyte layer and a carbon free micro-silicon anode. Source: University of California San DiegoThe all solid-state battery consists of a cathode composite layer, a sulfide solid electrolyte layer and a carbon free micro-silicon anode. Source: University of California San Diegobut this architecture limits battery charge rates and requires elevated temperature during charging. Inclusion of a silicon anode overcomes these limitations, allowing much faster charge rates at room to low temperatures, while maintaining high energy densities.

Researchers from the University of California San Diego and LG Energy Solution Ltd. (South Korea) demonstrated a laboratory-scale system that delivers 500 charge and discharge cycles with 80% capacity retention at room temperature. The sulfide-based solid electrolyte tested in place of liquid electrolyte was also observed to be extremely stable in batteries with all-silicon anodes.

A paper detailing this research is published in Science.

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