Lithium metal batteries with solid electrolytes are a promising technology due to their lightweight, non-flammable nature, high energy density, and fast recharging ability. However, their development has been hindered by the issue of short-circuiting and failure. Scientists at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory claim to have resolved this mystery.
New lithium metal batteries with solid electrolytes are lightweight, inflammable, pack a lot of energy, and can be recharged very quickly, but they have been slow to develop due to mysterious short-circuiting and failure. Now, researchers at Stanford University and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory say they have solved the mystery.
It comes down to stress – mechanical stress to be more precise – especially during potent recharging.
“Just modest indentation, bending or twisting of the batteries can cause nanoscopic fissures in the materials to open and lithium to intrude into the solid electrolyte causing it to short circuit,” explained senior author William Chueh, an associate professor of materials science and engineering in the School of Engineering, and of energy sciences and engineering in the new Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.
“Even dust or other impurities introduced in manufacturing can generate enough stress to cause failure,” said Chueh, who directed the research with Wendy Gu, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering.
This artist’s rendition shows one probe bending from applied pressure, causing a fracture in the solid electrolyte, which is filling with lithium. On the right, the probe is not pressing against the electrolyte and the lithium plates on the ceramic surface, as desired. Credit: Cube3D
The problem of failing solid electrolytes is not new and many have studied the phenomenon. Theories abound as to what exactly is the cause. Some say the unintended flow of electrons is to blame, while others point to chemistry. Yet others theorize different forces are at play.
In a study published today (January 30) in the journal Nature Energy, co-lead authors Geoff McConohy, Xin Xu, and Teng Cui explain in rigorous, statistically significant experiments how nanoscale defects and mechanical stress cause solid electrolytes to fail. Scientists around the world trying to develop new, solid electrolyte rechargeable batteries can design around the problem or even turn the discovery to their advantage, as much of this Stanford team is now researching. Energy-dense, fast-charging, non-flammable lithium metal batteries that last a long time could overcome the main barriers to the widespread use of electric vehicles, among numerous other benefits.
Statistical significance
Many of today’s leading solid electrolytes are ceramic. They enable fast transport of lithium ions and physically separate the two electrodes that store energy. Most importantly, they are fireproof. But, like ceramics in our homes, they can develop tiny cracks on their surface.
The researchers demonstrated through more than 60 experiments that ceramics are often imbued with nanoscopic cracks, dents, and fissures, many less than 20 nanometers wide. (A sheet of paper is about 100,000 nanometers thick.) During fast charging, Chueh and team say, these inherent fractures open, allowing lithium to intrude.
A scanning electron microscopy video that shows lithium plating as it takes place on a solid electrolyte. Credit: Xin Xu, Geoff McConohy and Wenfang Shi
In each experiment, the researchers applied an electrical probe to a solid electrolyte, creating a miniature battery, and used an electron microscope to observe fast charging in real time. Subsequently, they used an ion beam as a scalpel to understand why the lithium collects on the surface of the ceramic in some locations, as desired, while in other spots it begins to burrow, deeper and deeper, until the lithium bridges across the solid electrolyte, creating a short circuit.
The difference is pressure. When the electrical probe merely touches the surface of the electrolyte, lithium gathers beautifully atop the electrolyte even when the battery is charged in less than one minute. However, when the probe presses into the ceramic electrolyte, mimicking the mechanical stresses of indentation, bending, and twisting, it is more probable that the battery short circuits.
Theory into practice
A real-world solid-state battery is made of layers upon layers of cathode-electrolyte-anode sheets stacked one atop another. The electrolyte’s role is to physically separate the cathode from the anode, yet allow lithium ions to travel freely between the two. If cathode and anode touch or are connected electrically in any way, as by a tunnel of metallic lithium, a short circuit occurs.
As Chueh and team show, even a subtle bend, slight twist, or speck of dust caught between the electrolyte and the lithium anode will cause imperceptible crevices.
“Given the opportunity to burrow into the electrolyte, the lithium will eventually snake its way through, connecting the cathode and anode,” said McConohy, who completed his doctorate last year working in Chueh’s lab and now works in industry. “When that happens, the battery fails.”
Co-lead authors of the new study, from left, Xin Yu, Teng Cui and Geoff McConohy sitting in front of the focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope used for this research. Credit: Xin Xu
The new understanding was demonstrated repeatedly, the researchers said. They recorded video of the process using scanning electron microscopes – the very same microscopes that were unable to see the nascent fissures in the pure untested electrolyte.
It’s a little like the way a pothole appears in otherwise perfect pavement, Xu explained. Through rain and snow, car tires pound water into the tiny, pre-existing imperfections in the pavement producing ever-widening cracks that grow over time.
“Lithium is actually a soft material, but, like the water in the pothole analogy, all it takes is pressure to widen the gap and cause a failure,” said Xu, a postdoctoral scholar in Chueh’s lab.
With their new understanding in hand, Chueh’s team is looking at ways to use these very same mechanical forces intentionally to toughen the material during manufacturing, much like a blacksmith anneals a blade during production. They are also looking at ways to coat the electrolyte surface to prevent cracks or repair them if they emerge.
“These improvements all start with a single question: Why?,” said Cui, a postdoctoral scholar in Gu’s lab. “We are engineers. The most important thing we can do is to find out why something is happening. Once we know that, we can improve things.”
Reference: “Mechanical regulation of lithium intrusion probability in garnet solid electrolytes” by Geoff McConohy, Xin Xu, Teng Cui, Edward Barks, Sunny Wang, Emma Kaeli, Celeste Melamed, X. Wendy Gu and William C. Chueh, 30 January 2023, Nature Energy.DOI: 10.1038/s41560-022-01186-4
Chueh is also a senior fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy at Stanford, and a faculty scientist at SLAC. Co-authors of the study not mentioned above are Stanford PhD students Edward Barks, Sunny Wang, and Emma Kaeli, and postdoctoral scholar Celeste Melamed.
Funding: Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, Vehicle Technologies Office, Stanford StorageX Initiative
Source: SciTechDaily
I was very pleased to uncover this great site. I need to to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every bit of it and I have you bookmarked to look at new information on your blog.
Id like to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this site. Im hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now 😉
This is very interesting, You are an excessively professional blogger. I have joined your feed and sit up for looking for more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks
Hello there! This article couldn’t be written any better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I am going to forward this information to him. Pretty sure he will have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!
What’s up, this weekend is nice for me, as this time i am reading this great informative piece of writing here at my house.
Thank you for another informative blog. Where else may just I am getting that kind of info written in such a perfect method? I have a venture that I am simply now operating on, and I have been at the glance out for such information.
Excellent, what a website it is! This weblog provides helpful data to us, keep it up.
Hi mates, how is everything, and what you want to say regarding this piece of writing, in my view its in fact remarkable in favor of me.
It’s impressive that you are getting ideas from this post as well as from our discussion made here.
I have been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more useful than ever before.
I’m not sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for fantastic information I was looking for this information for my mission.
Very good website you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Appreciate it!
I pay a visit everyday some web sites and information sites to read articles, but this website gives quality based articles.
My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different page and thought I might check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to looking over your web page again.
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & aid other users like its helped me. Good job.
Ahaa, its good conversation regarding this piece of writing here at this blog, I have read all that, so now me also commenting here.
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. However just imagine if you added some great photos or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this website could undeniably be one of the greatest in its niche. Excellent blog!
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, could check this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a large component to folks will miss your fantastic writing due to this problem.
Terrific article! This is the type of information that are meant to be shared around the internet. Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this publish upper! Come on over and visit my web site . Thank you =)
Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any problems with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing months of hard work due to no backup. Do you have any solutions to protect against hackers?
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content for you personally? I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write in relation to here. Again, awesome weblog!
Simply want to say your article is as surprising. The clearness in your post is simply cool and i can assume you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any recommendations?
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own website now 😉
Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a stuff! present here at this weblog, thanks admin of this website.
I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this site. Reading this info So i’m glad to express that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I came upon exactly what I needed. I such a lot without a doubt will make certain to don?t put out of your mind this site and give it a look on a constant basis.
Hurrah! After all I got a webpage from where I know how to really get helpful information regarding my study and knowledge.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we communicate?
I am curious to find out what blog system you happen to be working with? I’m experiencing some minor security problems with my latest site and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any solutions?
This website truly has all of the info I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
When I originally commented I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I recieve four emails with the same comment. Is there a way you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!
Hello very nice website!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also? I am glad to seek out so many useful information here in the publish, we’d like develop more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very useful information particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.
An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I do think that you ought to write more on this subject, it might not be a taboo subject but usually people do not speak about such topics. To the next! Kind regards!!
Hi there, I found your blog by means of Google whilst searching for a similar topic, your web site got here up, it appears good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there! This article couldn’t be written any better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I am going to forward this information to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a very good read. Thank you for sharing!
VIP частный эромассаж Москва – тайский спа салон
Appreciation to my father who informed me about this weblog, this webpage is truly remarkable.
I was recommended this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You are wonderful! Thanks!
Your style is really unique compared to other people I have read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this site.
Wow, this post is nice, my sister is analyzing these things, so I am going to tell her.
This is the right web site for anybody who would like to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want toHaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic that’s been written about for many years. Excellent stuff, just excellent!
Useful info. Fortunate me I found your web site accidentally, and I am stunned why this twist of fate did not came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
Wow, that’s what I was seeking for, what a data! present here at this webpage, thanks admin of this website.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will be grateful to you.
Highly energetic article, I enjoyed that a lot. Will there be a part 2?
I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You are amazing! Thanks!
Good info. Lucky me I ran across your site by accident (stumbleupon). I have book marked it for later!
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is required to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it
Greate article. Keep writing such kind of information on your page. Im really impressed by your blog.
Hey! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My website addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!
Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your content seem to be running off the screen in Ie. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The layout look great though! Hope you get the problem solved soon. Cheers
Hi there, I found your blog by the use of Google whilst searching for a similar topic, your site got here up, it looks good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after going through some of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!
I was able to find good information from your blog posts.
What’s up, its nice post regarding media print, we all understand media is a impressive source of data.
Exceptional powt howesver , I waas wanting to knpw if youu could wite a ljtte more on thnis subject?
I’d bee very thankful iif yyou coud elabborate a liytle
bbit more. Thanks!
My spouse annd I tumbled over heee from a different page and thouhht I may as well cherck
thhings out. I like whaat I see so nnow i’m followwing you.
Look forward too looking aat your web page yyet again.
Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.
Link exchange is nothing else but it is only placing the other person’s blog link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do same for you.
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Either way keep up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog like this one nowadays.
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back later in life. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great writing, have a nice holiday weekend!
I enjoy what you guys are up too. This type of clever work and exposure! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll.
I enjoy what you guys are usually up too. Such clever work and coverage! Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my personal blogroll.
Hi mates, how is everything, and what you desire to say about this post, in my view its in fact awesome designed for me.
Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
Hello! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Unquestionably consider that that you stated. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the net the simplest thing to have in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked whilst folks consider concerns that they plainly do not recognise about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as welland also defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other folks can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you
Hi i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also make comment due to this brilliant post.
It’s in point of fact a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m satisfied that you simply shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Spot on with this write-up, I honestly feel this website needs much more attention. I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the information!
Its like you read my mind! You seem to understand so much approximately this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something. I feel that you could do with some % to pressure the message house a bit, however other than that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Hi there all, here every one is sharing these familiarity, so it’s pleasant to read this webpage, and I used to go to see this webpage everyday.
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.
Incredible points. Outstanding arguments. Keep up the good effort.
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and all. However think about if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could certainly be one of the very best in its niche. Wonderful blog!
Hi there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m looking to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a tough time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S Apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author. I will make certain to bookmark your blog and will often come back from now on. I want to encourage that you continue your great writing, have a nice holiday weekend!
Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve remember your stuff prior to and you’re simply too fantastic. I really like what you’ve obtained here, really like what you’re stating and the way by which you are saying it. You are making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a terrific site.
Онлайн казино отличный способ провести время, главное помните, что это развлечение, а не способ заработка.
В нашем онлайн казино вы найдете широкий спектр слотов и лайв игр, присоединяйтесь.
Это лучшее онлайн-казино, где вы можете насладиться широким выбором игр и получить максимум удовольствия от игрового процесса.
Онлайн казино радует своих посетителей более чем двумя тысячами увлекательных игр от ведущих разработчиков.
Quality articles or reviews is the key to be a focus for the viewers to go to see the site, that’s what this website is providing.
Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve consider your stuff prior to and you’re simply too wonderful. I really like what you’ve obtained here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you are saying it. You are making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful site.
Hi there! I know this is somewhat off-topic but I had to ask. Does operating a well-established blog like yours take a massive amount work? I’m completely new to writing a blog but I do write in my diary everyday. I’d like to start a blog so I can share my own experience and views online. Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips for new aspiring bloggers. Appreciate it!
Hi, I do believe this is an excellent web site. I stumbledupon it 😉 I will come back once again since I book marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue to help other people.
Highly energetic blog, I liked that a lot. Will there be a part 2?
This design is wicked! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!