A tight squeeze could fix the biggest hurdle for solid-state car and gadget batteries
Solid-state batteries promised safer, faster-charging power, but microscopic dendrites keep triggering short circuits. Stanford researchers discovered that applying continuous mechanical pressure forces dendrites to grow harmlessly sideways, offering a simple engineering shortcut to bring next-gen batteries to EVs and mobile gadgets.
Solid-state batteries have long been touted as the ultimate solution for energy storage, boasting higher energy density, faster charging, and eliminating fire risks. However, their widespread adoption has been hampered by dendrites – microscopic structures that form during charging and cause short circuits. Scientists at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Stanford University have discovered a simple solution: applying mechanical pressure to the ceramic electrolyte.
By creating a shape-memory alloy ring and heating it to 170 degrees Celsius, the researchers exerted a continuous squeeze on the cell, preventing dendrites from growing vertically and short-circuiting the battery. This discovery, published in Nature, suggests that mechanical pressure may be the key to unlocking the full potential of solid-state batteries.
The technology could revolutionize several sectors, providing a more attainable path to real-world applications.
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