Scientists have unveiled a stable and highly conductive lithium-ion conductor that could revolutionize the world of solid-state lithium-ion batteries. The newly discovered material, a pyrochlore-type oxyfluoride, promises to address the safety and performance challenges associated with current lithium-ion batteries. Unlike traditional liquid electrolyte batteries, all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries with solid electrolytes are non-flammable and boast higher energy density and transference numbers. However, existing solid electrolytes suffer from lower Li-ion conductivity and struggle to establish adequate electrode-solid electrolyte contact.
Notably, this new material also offers enhanced safety features. It is highly stable and non-flammable, making it suitable for use in critical environments such as airplanes. Furthermore, its capability to operate under high temperatures and support rapid recharging positions it as a promising material for electric vehicles, home appliances, and medical devices.
This innovative development comes from a research team at Tokyo University of Science, led by Professor Kenjiro Fujimoto, Professor Akihisa Aimi, and Dr. Shuhei Yoshida from Denso Corporation. Professor Fujimoto emphasized the significance of this discovery, saying, “We have discovered an oxide solid electrolyte that is a key component of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries, which have both high energy density and safety. In addition to being stable in air, the material exhibits higher ionic conductivity than previously reported oxide solid electrolytes.”
The potential impact of this discovery extends beyond immediate applications. The material represents a significant step towards developing revolutionary batteries that can operate across a wide range of temperatures, from low to high. It also opens new avenues for research and development in the field of all-solid-state batteries.
