The solid state batteries they are considered the next big innovation for the mobility sector, and it is therefore normal that all the largest companies in the sector are engaged in research and development.
Among these is Korean SK On (SK Innovation), which recently published two different studies, with very encouraging results, specifically for the production of solid state batteries.
The first study was carried out together with Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technologyand concerns the production of solid electrolyte with improved features. The technique was used photonic sinteringtraditionally used for the production of printed circuits. In the process it is exploited an intense luminous energy to strengthen the bond between powder particles, giving rise to a solid mass with greater strength and durability. In this way, oxide-rich inorganic-organic hybrid solid electrolytes were produced.
According to what was stated, “Experimental results showed that batteries using this hybrid electrolyte demonstrated excellent cycle life“. One of the most notable differences compared to other traditional methods concerns the amount of energy required. Oxide-based electrolytic materials typically require a High temperature heat treatment at over 1,000 degrees Celsius for more than 10 hourswhile the photonic sintering method is faster and at low temperatures.
Together with the Seoul National UniversitySK On instead studied the potential of layered oxide cathodes rich in lithium and manganese (LMRO cathodes) for sulfide-based solid-state batteries.
The importance of this solution depends on the presence of large quantities of manganese, cheaper than nickel and cobalt. However, in contact with liquid electrolytes there are problems such as the generation of gas, voltage decay and loss of capacity, and this is why better results can be obtained for batteries with solid electrolytes.
The team found that oxygen released during charging and discharging under high temperature and high voltage conditions oxidizes the solid sulfide electrolyte, leading to performance deterioration. To overcome this problem, the team developed a special coating material which suppresses oxygen release and increases battery life.
But are these results destined to remain in the academic field? Absolutely not, SK On is already building its own plant dedicated to solid state batteries, which will be completed in 2025with the first commercial battery prototypes expected to be ready by 2027 and 2029, depending on the different technologies used: a polymer oxide composite variant and a sulfide-based variant.
Source: greenmove.hwupgrade.it
