Researchers have created a solid electrolyte that shows promise for use in all-solid-state batteries. This solid electrolyte, which consists of nanoparticles within an amorphous structure, demonstrates excellent conductivity, flexibility, and electrochemical stability.
Rechargeable batteries, which are often underestimated, play a crucial role in our daily lives by powering devices from small gadgets like smartphones to larger ones, such as electric vehicles. To develop sustainable rechargeable batteries, it is essential to improve their charge retention, extend their lifespan with more charging cycles, and enhance safety. This is where all-solid-state batteries hold significant potential.
However, identifying which solid electrolytes possess these advantageous characteristics has been a challenge.
A research team from Osaka Metropolitan University, led by Assistant Professor Kota Motohashi, Associate Professor Atsushi Sakuda, and Professor Akitoshi Hayashi from the Graduate School of Engineering, has made progress by developing an electrolyte with notable conductivity, flexibility, and electrochemical stability.
By introducing Ta2O5 (tantalum pentoxide) to the previously formulated solid electrolyte NaTaCl6, which includes tantalum chloride and sodium chloride, the team achieved high conductivity at room temperature.
The newly discovered solid electrolyte, Na2.25TaCl4.75O1.25, outperforms traditional chlorides in terms of electrochemical stability and boasts better mechanical properties.
Professor Motohashi stated, “We anticipate that the findings from this research will play a vital role in advancing composite solid electrolytes, alongside the glass and crystal solid electrolytes that have already been explored. Our next steps will focus on understanding the ionic conduction mechanisms within composite solid electrolytes and improving these materials further.”
