## UT Austin Researchers Advance solid-state Battery technology with Cost-effective, High-Performance Material
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a novel approach to solid-state battery technology, aiming to improve performance and reduce manufacturing costs. The findings, published in *Nature Materials*, detail a method for enhancing the stability and efficiency of garnet-structured ceramic electrolytes – a key component in next-generation, all-solid-state batteries.
solid-state batteries are considered a promising advancement over conventional lithium-ion batteries, offering potential benefits for applications ranging from drones and electronics to electric vehicles, primarily due to increased safety and higher energy density. Current lithium-ion batteries utilize flammable liquid electrolytes,contributing to the risk of battery fires. Solid ceramic electrolytes eliminate this “fuel” source, substantially reducing fire hazards.
However, ceramic electrolytes have faced challenges including high production costs, quality control difficulties, and susceptibility to short-circuiting caused by lithium dendrites – metal filaments that form within the electrolyte.
The UT Austin team, led by Professor David Mitlin of the Walker department of Mechanical Engineering, addressed the dendrite problem by dispersing micro-scale zirconia particles throughout the garnet grains. This process suppresses cracking within the electrolyte, a key factor in dendrite formation.
“Zirconia really pulls double duty here,” explains Yixian wang, a postdoctoral researcher and co-lead author. ”It helps densify the material while also preventing those pesky lithium dendrites from forming. It’s a win-win for battery performance and safety.”
Beyond improving stability, the method also lowers manufacturing costs. The zirconia additive decomposes during fabrication,releasing heat and reducing the external temperature required for processing.Testing revealed the zirconia-modified garnet achieved nearly double the critical current density – the maximum current before short-circuiting – compared to unmodified garnet. This indicates the potential for batteries utilizing this material to operate at higher power levels with improved safety.
The research involved contributions from scientists at Purdue university,Rutgers University,Virginia Commonwealth University,Sandia National Laboratories,Brookhaven National Laboratory,Oak Ridge National Laboratory,and Los Alamos National Laboratory. While focused on battery science, the team suggests the defect control techniques developed coudl also be applied to the broader manufacturing of high-quality ceramics.
Source: UT Austin and *Nature Materials*.
