Solid State Lithium Batteries: Everything You Need to Know
Solid state lithium batteries (SSLBs) utilize inorganic solid electrolytes instead of the liquid or gel electrolytes used by other battery types. SSLBs are becoming increasingly popular due to their long cycle life, high energy density, enhanced safety, and wider operating temperature range.
Solid-state lithium batteries are currently the most promising battery technology, and they are set to replace other types of batteries, including lithium batteries in future.
In this article, we discuss more about solid-state lithium batteries, their benefits, challenges, and applications.
What is a Solid State Lithium Battery?
A solid state lithium battery uses a solid electrolyte instead of the commonly used liquid electrolyte. Its structure entails a positive electrode layer, a laminated negative electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer.
The solid electrolyte acts as a separator, allowing the transfer of lithium ions and preventing the interaction between positive and negative electrodes.
The working mechanism of the solid-state lithium battery entails a diffusion of lithium ions from the positive electrode towards the negative electrode using the solid electrolyte layer as the medium when a load is applied during a charge. During a discharge, the lithium ions shift in the opposite direction.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Solid State Lithium Batteries
Every battery type has advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the advantages and downsides of solid-state lithium batteries.
Benefits of Solid-State Lithium Battery
1. High-Level Safety
No liquid material is used in the manufacturing of solid-state lithium batteries, so there are no spillages or leakage accidents. The solid electrolyte is flame-retardant and incombustible, so even if heat is generated, there is no flammable gas.
2. Wider Operating Temperature Range
Even when exposed to freezing temperatures, the solid-state electrolyte in lithium batteries does not solidify. As such, it is safe and efficient to use solid-state lithium batteries under extremely low temperatures.
On the other hand, high temperatures do not have any effect on the solid-state electrolyte. You can safely charge and discharge your solid-state battery under high temperatures, unlike liquid electrolyte batteries.
3. Exceptionally Weather Resistant
A battery with a solid-state electrolyte has minimal volatile components that do not expand or solidify when exposed to extreme weather. A solid-state lithium battery is stable in various weather conditions.
Drawbacks of Solid-State Lithium Battery
- The solid-state lithium batteries are quite pricey, making it unaffordable to most consumers.
- The solid-state lithium batteries are not recyclable and can only be replaced.
- Solid-state batteries also have high resistance to the electrodes and solid electrolytes, which may hinder or slow down fast charging or discharging.
- Solid-state lithium batteries are quite new in the industry. Therefore, they still require extensive research, development, and improvements to increase their scope of application.
Applications for Solid-state Lithium Battery
Solid-state lithium batteries are used in a wide range of applications, such as:
1. Electric Vehicles
2. Aerospace Industry
3. Consumer Electronics
4. Military Applications
5. Medical Devices
1. Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular worldwide due to their cost savings and eco-friendly nature. One of the key applications of solid-state lithium batteries is in the EV industry due to their leak-proof nature and excellent safety features.
Moreover, solid-state batteries have a higher energy density, allowing them to store more energy. However, they are smaller than other battery types, which makes them suitable for powering electric vehicles.
Additionally, solid-state batteries are lighter, easy to charge, and affordable, making them an excellent choice for electric vehicles. They are also resistant to extreme weather conditions and temperature changes.
2. Aviation Industry
Another preferred application of solid-state lithium batteries is the aviation industry. These batteries are lightweight, safe, and have high energy density, which is a plus requirement for the aviation industry. They are used on aircraft, drones, and space exploration vehicles.
3. Consumer Electronics
Due to their safety, increased energy density, compatibility, and lightweight nature, solid-state lithium batteries are being used in various consumer electronics such as wearables, smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
Solid-state lithium batteries do not use liquid electrolyte and are less likely to overheat, thus causing fire accidents.
4. Medical Devices
Solid lithium batteries are safe and resistant to extreme temperatures and overheating. That is why they are the safest option for manufacturing crucial medical devices such as pacemakers, implants, and defibrillators.
Additionally, solid-state lithium batteries deliver more power for a certain amount of energy, making them suitable for medical applications such as imaging and monitoring equipment.
5. Military Applications
Solid-state batteries are improving military operations and making them highly effective.
The batteries can be used in various applications, such as powering military aircraft, vehicles, surveillance equipment, night vision, and other security equipment. They are also resistant to vibrations and shocks, making them suitable for military operations in remote areas.
Additionally, they are used to develop advanced weapon systems, such as laser missiles, self-operating aerial vehicles, robots, and other sophisticated equipment.
Solid State Batteries Vs. Liquid Electrolyte Batteries: Key Differences
As mentioned above, solid-state batteries utilize an all-solid electrolyte, while liquid electrolyte batteries utilize liquid electrolyte. The following are some of the differences between the two types of batteries.
1. Safety
Liquid electrolyte batteries, such as lithium-ion, contain a volatile and flammable liquid electrolyte that is combustible and may result in a fire accident. Solid-state batteries have high thermal stability and can withstand high temperatures, which is why they are safer than liquid electrolyte batteries.
2.The Energy Density
Solid-state batteries have higher energy density compared to liquid electrolyte batteries, such as traditional lithium batteries. The energy density of a solid-state battery is approximately 400W/kg, while that of a liquid electrolyte lithium battery is around 250 Wh/kg.
3. Fast Recharging
Solid-state batteries charge more quickly than liquid-state batteries. For instance, lithium-ion batteries take approximately 20 minutes up to 12 hours to recharge fully. The solid-state batteries take around 10 to 15 minutes to recharge up to 80%. Also, you can charge the solid-state battery five times more than lithium-ion batteries in their lifecycle, thus increasing their longevity.
4.Size
The solid-state batteries do not require a separator, which takes up space in a liquid electrolyte battery. Therefore, a solid-state battery is smaller in size compared to a liquid-state battery.
5. Difference in Electrolyte
An apparent difference between solid-state batteries and liquid-state batteries, such as conventional lithium batteries, is the nature of electrolytes. Most liquid-state batteries utilize an organic liquid electrolyte such as ethers and carbonates.
Solid-state batteries utilize solid electrolytes such as oxides and sulfides. Due to the nature of the electrolyte, solid-state electrolytes have better stability, enhanced safety, and are leak-proof.
6. Costs
Solid-state batteries are expensive to manufacture due to the requirements of high-performance electrode materials and solid-state electrolytes. Liquid-state batteries such as lithium are relatively affordable due to the availability and the low cost of manufacturing liquid electrolytes and electrodes. Although the costs of manufacturing solid-state batteries are high, the durability and high energy capabilities are worthwhile in the long term.
Final Thoughts
Significant advancements have been achieved in the development of solid-state lithium batteries for various applications. With enhanced safety, high energy density, lightweight, and fast charging, solid-state batteries are preferred in various industries such as medical, automotive, aviation, and consumer electronics. The future of solid-state lithium batteries is promising, and it might become a standard for powering most devices in the near future.
FAQs About Solid State Lithium Batteries
1 . What is a solid-state lithium battery?
Solid-state lithium batteries are rechargeable and they utilize a solid electrolyte instead of the gel or liquid electrolyte like ordinary batteries. The anode is made of lithium metal rather than graphite. The cathode is made of lithium-based compounds such as cobalt oxide.
2. Why is the commercialization of solid-state batteries a distant reality?
Major challenges, such as production cost and manufacturing scalability, exist in the mass production of solid-state lithium batteries.
3. Do solid-state lithium batteries have a longer lifespan?
A major benefit of solid-state batteries is their high energy density, meaning they have a longer range and prolonged lifespan compared to lithium batteries. Although the lifespan of lithium batteries is relatively longer, approximately 1,500 to 2,000 cycles, solid-state batteries have up to 8,000 to 10,000 cycles.
