Solid-state battery

A lithium battery that replaces the flammable liquid electrolyte with a solid material that still conducts lithium ions.

• In lithium-ion cells, ions shuttle between the electrodes through a liquid; here they move through a ceramic, sulfide or polymer solid.
• A solid barrier may allow an anode of pure lithium metal, which holds far more charge than graphite, potentially adding 50% or more energy per volume.
• Solids don't burn like the liquid and could allow faster charging, if metal filaments ('dendrites') that pierce the layer and short the cell are prevented.
• Electrodes swell and shrink with each cycle, so solids crack and lose contact; many designs need clamping pressure and costly dry-room production.