Harvard University scientists have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in solid-state battery technology, developing a new battery that boasts a 10-minute recharge time and exceptional longevity. This accomplishment marks a noteworthy advancement in the race to commercialize solid-state batteries, an area where automakers like Toyota are actively involved.

Published in Nature Materials, the research led by Xin Li, Associate Professor of Materials Science at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), highlights the superiority of lithium metal anode in solid-state batteries over commercial graphite anodes. The lithium metal anode provides ten times the capacity, positioning it as a ‘holy grail’ for automotive applications.

One of the challenges faced by solid-state batteries is the formation of dendrites, which can compromise battery performance and safety. Harvard researchers have tackled this issue by incorporating micron-sized silicon particles that prevent dendrites from penetrating the anode-cathode barrier. This innovation not only stops dendrite formation but also facilitates a more efficient plating and stripping process during charging, resulting in a remarkable 10-minute recharge time.

The Harvard battery, designed in a postage stamp-sized pouch cell version, demonstrated outstanding longevity by retaining 80% of its capacity after 6,000 cycles. This surpasses the performance of any other pouch-type cell currently available in the market. Solid-state batteries are considered a crucial advancement for electric vehicles (EVs), offering increased range, energy density, and stability compared to traditional liquid-electrolyte battery technology.

The technology developed by Harvard has been licensed to Adden Energy, a battery company founded by a team of scientists from the university. This licensing agreement raises hopes for the mass-market application of solid-state batteries. As EVs continue to gain prominence, the development and adoption of solid-state batteries hold the potential to significantly enhance the performance and viability of electric vehicles.

Sources: Electrek, Harvard School of Engineering