In the US, they invented a technology for a "fireproof" battery
To create safer batteries, the University of Texas has come up with a new technology that increases the speed of movement of ions in solid-state systems and offers a safer and high-performance alternative to lithium-ion batteries.
As reported by Interesting Engineering, a new study by scientists demonstrates that mixing two solid electrolyte materials forms a layer that enhances the flow of ions inside solid-state batteries.
This breakthrough could help overcome a key obstacle to creating safer, large-capacity batteries without liquid electrolytes.
As you know, modern lithium-ion batteries power everything from electric cars to mobile devices today. When these batteries reach their limits, their liquid components can ignite. Therefore, as the publication notes, the demand for safer and more powerful alternatives is growing rapidly as energy storage becomes critical in both the commercial and defense sectors.
Dr. Laisuo Su from the University of Texas said the effect is due to chemical differences between the two materials. "When separate solid electrolyte materials come into physical contact, a layer forms at their interface where charged particles, or ions, accumulate due to differences in the chemical potential of each material," the University of Dallas scientist explained.
Samsung Galaxy S26 will use a silicon-carbon battery
The research focused on lithium zirconium chloride and lithium yttrium chloride. These compounds helped form unique channels that improved ion transport.
Most lithium-ion batteries use flammable liquid electrolytes. Solid-state versions are safer but more difficult to make efficient.
"This discovery suggests a new way to design better solid electrolytes by carefully choosing materials that interact in a way that enhances ionic movement, potentially leading to better-performing solid-state batteries," he said. The research is part of the university's BEACONS program.
The BEACONS program was launched in 2023 with financial support from the US Department of Defense in the amount of $30 million. It focuses on innovation in the field of batteries and their production in the United States. The scientists published the results of their research in the journal ACS Energy Letters.
Recall that Apple supplier, Japanese electronic components manufacturer TDK recently announced the successful development of a material for solid-state batteries. The company says that this discovery can provide significantly higher performance for wearable devices. TDK says that this innovation can be used in various devices that come into contact with the human body, such as wireless headphones, hearing aids and smart watches.