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Posted on: 2/19/2013 12:00:00 AM... Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a high-performance, nanostructured solid electrolyte for more energy-dense lithium ion batteries.

Today's lithium-ion batteries rely on a liquid electrolyte to conduct ions between the negatively charged anode and positive cathode. Liquid electrolytes, however, can pose safety issues because of their flammability, especially when attempting to pack more energy into a smaller battery volume. Building batteries with a solid electrolyte could overcome these safety concerns and size constraints.

The ORNL team developed its solid electrolyte by altering the structure of the crystals that make up lithium thiophosphate so that it could conduct ions 1,000 times faster than its natural bulk form. The material is highly stable in a battery system and compatible with a lithium metal anode. The ability to use pure lithium metal as an anode could ultimately yield batteries five to 10 times more powerful than current versions, which employ carbon-based anodes.

The researchers are continuing to test laboratory scale battery cells, and a patent on the team’s invention is pending.

For More Information:

• Access “Anomalous High Ionic Conductivity of Nanoporous ß-Li3PS4”

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