The Helmholtz Centre in Berlin has developed a pioneering approach to analyze the degradation of solid-state battery cells, aiming to enhance their longevity and performance.
Solid-state batteries are recognized for their higher energy density and improved safety compared to conventional liquid electrolyte batteries. However, they face challenges such as reduced lifespan and diminishing capacity with repeated charging cycles. Addressing these issues is a key focus for researchers at the Helmholtz Centre.
“Our goal is to understand the underlying causes of degradation in solid-state batteries and find ways to mitigate them,” stated Dr. Elmar Kataev, researcher at the Helmholtz Centre.
Solid-state batteries employ a solid ion conductor instead of a liquid electrolyte, offering enhanced safety and storage capacity. Despite these advantages, the formation of decomposition products and interphases at the electrolyte-electrode interfaces during charging and discharging processes hinders ion transport and leads to the loss of active lithium, thereby reducing battery capacity over time.
To investigate these reactions, researchers used advanced X-ray technology at the BESSY II synchrotron radiation source. “By exciting atoms in the sample, we were able to identify reaction products and assess their reversibility,” explained Kataev.
The study focused on Li6PS5Cl, a promising material for solid-state batteries due to its high ionic conductivity. Researchers employed an ultra-thin nickel current collector to study electrochemical reactions at buried interfaces, revealing insights that could inform improvements in battery materials and design.
“This methodological breakthrough allows us to track and understand electrochemical processes within solid-state batteries more effectively,” Kataev emphasized.
