A research team from the University of Liverpool in the UK has developed a solid electrolyte material capable of rapidly conducting lithium ions. This material boasts a sufficiently high lithium ion conductivity to potentially replace the liquid electrolytes currently used in lithium-ion battery technology, thereby enhancing the safety and energy density of lithium batteries. The findings of this research were recently published in Science.
Both electric vehicles and numerous electronic devices rely on rechargeable lithium batteries for power, but the liquid electrolyte used in these batteries is a critical factor contributing to safety concerns.
In many applications, solid materials can provide an equally conducive environment for ion movement, enabling rapid lithium ion conduction.
In recent years, many materials scientists have been utilizing artificial intelligence tools to design and discover new materials to address global concerns such as net-zero emissions.
A multidisciplinary team composed of researchers from the University of Liverpool's Department of Chemistry, Materials Innovation Factory, Leverhulme Centre for Functional Materials Design, Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy, Albert Crewe Centre, and School of Engineering collaborated to develop this solid material suitable for use as an electrolyte.
Comprised of non-toxic and abundantly available elements, this material exhibits a high lithium ion conductivity of up to 1.01(4) × 10^-2 Siemens per centimeter at room temperature, along with low electronic conductivity and compatibility with lithium metal anodes, making it one of the few solid materials capable of replacing liquid electrolytes.
Professor Matt Rosseinsky from the University of Liverpool's Department of Chemistry explains that due to the unique structure of the new material, it operates differently from liquid electrolytes, resulting in superior performance compared to solids that only provide narrow pathways for ions. Its structure challenges previous understandings of high-performance solid electrolytes.
The research team synthesized this material in the laboratory, determined its atomic arrangement, and elucidated the mechanism of lithium ion transport.
Using innovative design methods, this research paves the way for new avenues in developing high-performance materials reliant on rapid ion transport within solids.
The researchers note that future studies will leverage artificial intelligence to explore meaningful differences in composition and structure that enhance the material's performance. Additionally, they aim to discover other new materials based on the new insights provided by this research.
For more information, please refer to the related paper: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adh5115.
