The future of battery power
Researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have made important progress in the development of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for lithium-metal batteries.
Developing next-generation lithium battery systems with high energy density and improved safety is important for energy storage applications such as electric vehicles, portable electronics, and power grids. All-solid-state Li metal batteries (ASSLMBs) are promising due to their high safety and energy density, replacing flammable organic solvent electrolytes with solid electrolytes. And solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), such as polymers and inorganic ceramics, show promise in meeting the high-performance requirements of ASSLMBs.
However, the ionic conductivity and stability of SSEs have proven to be challenges. To address these, the HKUST team has combined two advanced materials. Ionic covalent organic frameworks (iCOFs) have a porous structure that facilitates efficient ion movement, while poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) provides flexibility and enhances ionic conductivity. The integration of these materials has resulted in improved safety and performance.
The research team was led by Dr Yoonseob Kim from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, with Jun Huang as the first author. The research, published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials, was carried out in collaboration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Zhejiang University in Mainland China, and Hanyang University in South Korea.
This development could have a significant impact on the battery industry, leading to more reliable and efficient energy storage solutions. The potential benefits could include improvements in the range and safety of electric vehicles and the enhanced performance of consumer electronics.