Lithium-ion batteries have been at the center of everything as we’ve continued to develop infrastructure for clean energy storage and off-grid applications. Yet, with the ongoing focus on the climate crisis and improving the energy sector, we can remain grateful for lithium-ion battery technology and still seek ways to improve it.
We need safe, secure, and long-lasting energy storage to benefit the needs of a world that will come to rely on clean energy. Research suggests that solid-state battery technology has the potential to meet those needs. Here’s what you should know about these new energy storage systems and how they could apply to our modern energy infrastructure.
Lithium-Ion vs. Solid-State Batteries
The development of lithium-ion batteries was revolutionary. They rely on a liquid electrolyte barrier that allows lithium to cross through it, going between the positive and negative ends of the battery. With such technology, limitations exist. The electrolyte’s dense state means it’s flammable, so it cannot be exposed to air, limiting its usage and heightening its volatility. The energy also moves slower across the barrier, meaning it takes longer to power a device and recharge. There are size constraints as well. Lithium-ion batteries are heavier and have a lower energy density.
Although solid-state battery technology is still in the research and development stages, all signs point to it being the positive wave of the future. With a solid-state battery, the electrolyte is solid rather than liquid, which enables the technology to rely on an electric current to power a device. The solid material contains charged ions, which combine with a battery’s negative and positive sides, creating a chemical reaction. This conduction of energy opens up many positive doors.
Why Choose a Solid-State Battery?
It’s Lightweight
Though a solid-state battery doesn’t rely on liquid, it’s more lightweight than its lithium-ion counterpart because it requires less graphite and cobalt. Also helping keep the weight down is its ability to deliver 2.5 times more energy density than lithium-ion batteries. Not only does this mean that more power is stored and available for devices, but it also means that the technology is smaller and lighter. This lightweight solid-state battery technology means increased usage as far as mobility is concerned. For cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and planes, lighter batteries with a higher energy density can alter how we travel.
The Technology Is Safer
Solid-state battery technology also allows for a safer experience. The liquid electrolyte in current lithium-ion batteries is volatile and flammable. They can’t be exposed to air, causing them to need extra protection and casing. The need for fewer safety systems makes this new technology lighter. Solid-state batteries don’t rely on liquid, making them safer and more reliable. All batteries conduct heat due to the transfer of energy, but without the liquid component, there’s nothing flammable present that would catch fire in a solid-state battery.
The Production Process Is Quicker
The manufacturing process for solid-state batteries is also different from traditional lithium-ion charging methods because it doesn’t require any liquid chemicals or additives during production or charging processes, making it much safer than conventional lithium-ion technology. This means that solid-state batteries can be charged faster and will last longer than their traditional counterparts. All this lightweight material and safety means that solid-state battery technology has a lesser carbon footprint than lithium-ion technology, so our environment is better protected. This manufacturing process, because it is reliant on fewer materials and energy, is also much faster.
Looking Ahead at the Future of Solid-State Batteries
The clean energy sector is always improving. This kind of constant innovation is required to combat the climate crisis and safeguard a livable world. Lithium-ion batteries are a viable and useful solution, but solid-state battery technology will be a true game-changer in this ongoing battle. They’re lighter, smaller, hold more power, last longer, charge faster, and are safer.
Experts are still researching solid-state battery technology, which means it’s still in development. Still, with more funding, innovation, and initiatives, this technology will usher us into the future of energy storage.
In the end, whether solid-state batteries become viable for energy consumers in the near future will probably depend on how quickly they can be manufactured, how well they perform, and how much they cost to make. Despite these current limitations, this technology — still in its infancy — is making strides toward being more efficient than lithium-ion batteries. If manufacturers manage these issues and more, this technology could truly revolutionize energy, both in terms of cost and production.
Author’s Bio
Dr. Denis Phares is the chief executive officer of Dragonfly Energy Corp. He leads the company’s innovation and research initiatives, focusing on developing and advancing Dragonfly’s revolutionary technology. Dragonfly Energy is an industry-leading manufacturer of deep cycle lithium-ion batteries and is spearheading conventional and lithium solid-state battery research and development worldwide.
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