DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING NITK,

SRINIVASNAGAR, MANGALURU 575 025

EVEN 2024

OVERVIEW ON SOLID STATE

BATTERY
EE990
(2 Credits)
SEMINAR
(MLC)

M.Tech (Power Electronics and Control for Electric Vehicle)

(ROBERT BOSCH Industry Sponsored)

Vinay A Naidu
Roll No : 232EV522
Registration No: 2320021
1. History of Solid State Batteries

 Michael Faraday, credited with introducing the term "electrolyte," made

significant discoveries in the realm of solid electrolytes, identifying silver
sulphide and lead fluoride (Ag2S and PbF2) between 1831 and 1834. These
findings laid the foundation for the exploration of solid-state ionics,
focusing on the movement of ions through solid electrolytes.
 By the late 1950s, various electrochemical cells utilized solid electrolytes,
albeit at the expense of limited energy density, lower cell voltages, and
heightened internal resistance.
 In 1967, the discovery of another solid electrolyte, beta-alumina, spurred
advancements in cells with enhanced energy density. Beta-alumina solid
electrolyte (BASE) serves as a rapid ion conductor material employed as a
membrane in various molten salt electrochemical cells.
 Leveraging research on beta-alumina, Ford Motor Company in 1966
pioneered the sodium-sulphur (NaS) battery. Although not strictly a solid-
state battery due to the molten state of its electrode materials, the NaS
battery marked a significant stride toward the development of solid-state
batteries, boasting advantages such as affordability and superior energy
density.
 A recently discovered solid-state electrolyte known as Lithium-phosphorus
oxynitride (LiPON) was successfully incorporated into lithium-ion batteries,
resulting in enhanced performance. However, its widespread application
was constrained by its high cost.
 In 2011, Kamaya et al. showcased the initial solid electrolyte, Li10GeP2S12
(LGPS), capable of surpassing the bulk ionic conductivity of liquid
electrolyte equivalents at room temperature. This breakthrough enabled
bulk solid ion conductors to emerge as viable competitors to lithium-ion
counterparts in terms of technology.
 2. Structure of Li-Ion Battery

2.1 Electrolytic cell

An electrolytic cell consists of two electrodes immersed in an electrolyte

solution. The electrodes are typically made of inert conductive materials like
graphite or platinum. An electrolytic cell consists of two electrodes immersed in
an electrolyte solution. The electrodes are typically made of inert conductive
materials like graphite or platinum.

 Electrolyte: The electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when

dissolved in a solvent. It can be a liquid or a molten salt. The choice of
electrolyte depends on the specific application of the cell.

 Electrodes: The electrodes are connected to an external power source,

such as a battery or a power supply. One electrode is connected to the
positive terminal (anode), and the other electrode is connected to the
negative terminal (cathode).

 Electrolysis: When the power supply is turned on, electrons flow from the
negative electrode (cathode) to the positive electrode (anode) through the
external circuit. This flow of electrons causes chemical reactions at the
electrodes.

 Redox reactions: At the cathode, positively charged ions in the electrolyte

gain electrons from the external circuit and are reduced. This reduction
process results in the formation of new substances or the deposition of
metals on the electrode. the anode, negatively charged ions in the
electrolyte lose electrons to the external circuit and are oxidized. This
oxidation process leads to the release of electrons and the formation of
new substances or the dissolution of metals from the electrode.

 Ion migration: Simultaneously, ions from the electrolyte migrate toward

the electrodes to maintain electrical neutrality. Positive ions move toward
the cathode, while negative ions move toward the anode.
  Circuit completion: The flow of electrons through the external circuit and
the movement of ions in the electrolyte maintain the electrical balance
within the cell. The chemical reactions occurring at the electrodes result in
the formation of new substances.

2.2 Key components of Li-Ion Battery

 Two electrodes, i.e. compounds that can accept the insertion of lithium
ions inside their structure.
 Cathode – positive pole (LFP, NMC, LCO)
 Anode, i.e. the negative pole of the battery made of anodic material
(carbon or graphite)
 Central separator - A thin layer made from a plastic polymer (polyethylene
or polypropylene) which acts as a mechanical separator between the
anode and cathode and works as an insulator.
 An electrolyte the medium through which ions move; an organic liquid
that contains lithium salts. Fills the entire volume inside the cell, soaks the
electrodes and allows the lithium ions to move by acting as a connecting
link between the cathode and anode.

2.3 Key components of Solid State battery

 A cathode (or positive electrode), which can be made with the same
compounds as a lithium-ion battery (LFP, NMC, LMO)
 A solid-state electrolyte, generally ceramic or solid polymer, which also
works as the electrolyte
 An anode made of lithium metal (pure lithium)

Electrolytes have long faced challenges such as low ionic conductivity,

particularly at room temperature, along with high interfacial resistance, safety
concerns over the long term, and subpar cyclability. The primary issue of low
ionic conductivity leads to reduced power densities and inferior cyclability.
The central layer, typically grey, serves as the solid-state separator in solid-state
batteries. Acting as both the separator between the anode and cathode and the
electrolyte itself, it facilitates ion movement while possessing electrically
insulating and mechanical separation properties between the electrodes. This
solid, supportive layer enables the removal of the graphite structure on the
anode, ensuring direct accumulation of lithium metal on the anode. Some
configurations may employ semi-solid solutions where the electrolyte exists in a
gel form.
However, the interface between the electrode and solid electrolyte remains a
significant challenge impeding the practical advancement of solid-state lithium
batteries. This interface, essentially the contact point between the electrodes
and solid electrolytes, represents a critical area for improvement. Achieving
proper solid-solid contact is a common challenge encountered in the
development of typical solid-state lithium batteries.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages

Solid-state batteries offer several advantages over traditional liquid electrolyte
batteries:

 Safety: Solid-state batteries are inherently safer than their liquid

electrolyte counterparts because they are less prone to leakage, thermal
runaway, and the risks associated with flammable electrolytes. This
increased safety is particularly crucial for applications in electric vehicles
and portable electronics.

 Energy Density: Solid-state batteries have the potential for higher energy
densities compared to conventional batteries. This is due to the use of
solid electrolytes, which can enable higher voltage operation and
increased capacity without compromising safety.

 Longevity: Solid-state batteries typically have longer lifespans and

improved cycle life compared to liquid electrolyte batteries. This is because
solid electrolytes are less prone to degradation over time, resulting in
better long-term performance and reliability.

 Fast Charging: Solid-state batteries can support faster charging rates

compared to traditional batteries. The solid electrolyte enables more
efficient ion transport, allowing for rapid charging without the risk of
dendrite formation, which can occur in liquid electrolyte batteries.
  Temperature Stability: Solid-state batteries are more stable at extreme
temperatures, both high and low, compared to liquid electrolyte batteries.
This makes them suitable for use in a wide range of environmental
conditions, including automotive applications in hot climates or aerospace
applications in space.

 Flexibility in Design: Solid-state batteries offer greater flexibility in design

and form factor. They can be manufactured in various shapes and sizes,
making them suitable for integration into different devices and
applications, including wearable electronics, medical implants, and IoT
devices.

 Environmental Impact: Solid-state batteries have the potential to be more

environmentally friendly than traditional batteries. They can be
manufactured using fewer toxic materials, and their longer lifespan
reduces the need for frequent replacement and disposal, leading to lower
overall environmental impact.

While solid-state batteries offer several advantages, they also come with some
drawbacks:

 Manufacturing Complexity: Solid-state batteries are currently more

challenging and expensive to manufacture compared to traditional liquid
electrolyte batteries. The processes involved in producing solid electrolytes
and ensuring proper electrode-solid electrolyte interfaces can be complex
and require specialized equipment.

 Limited Electrolyte Conductivity: Solid electrolytes typically have lower

ionic conductivity compared to liquid electrolytes, especially at room
temperature. This limitation can lead to higher internal resistance and
lower power output, impacting the performance of solid-state batteries.

 Mechanical Fragility: Solid-state batteries may be more susceptible to

mechanical stress and deformation compared to liquid electrolyte
batteries. Solid electrolytes and electrode materials can be brittle, which
increases the risk of structural damage and reduced battery performance,
particularly in applications with frequent vibrations or shocks.
 Interface Challenges: Achieving proper solid-solid interfaces between the
electrode and electrolyte remains a significant challenge in solid-state
battery development. Poor interface contact can lead to increased
resistance, lower efficiency, and degradation over time, affecting the
overall performance and lifespan of the battery.

 Limited Material Compatibility: Solid-state batteries require specific

materials that are compatible with solid electrolytes, which may limit the
choice of electrode materials and electrode-electrolyte interfaces. This
constraint can hinder the development of high-performance solid-state
battery systems and may require further research into new materials and
manufacturing techniques.

 Cost: Solid-state batteries are currently more expensive to produce

compared to traditional batteries due to the complexity of manufacturing
processes and the use of specialized materials. This higher cost can limit
their widespread adoption, particularly in cost-sensitive markets such as
consumer electronics and automotive applications.

 Temperature Sensitivity: While solid-state batteries offer improved

stability at extreme temperatures compared to liquid electrolyte batteries,
they may still exhibit reduced performance at very high or low
temperatures. This temperature sensitivity can affect the efficiency and
reliability of solid-state battery systems, particularly in harsh operating
environments.