Rechargeable batteries, often overlooked, are essential for powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. To create more sustainable batteries, key improvements are needed, such as extending charge retention, increasing the number of charging cycles, and enhancing safety. All-solid-state batteries show great potential in achieving these goals.

Figure 1. Solid Sodium-ion Conducting Chloride Electrolyte. (Credit: Osaka Metropolitan University)

However, the challenge lies in identifying solid electrolytes that offer these benefits. Figure 1 shows solid sodium-ion conducting chloride electrolyte.

In a major step forward, a research group from Osaka Metropolitan University, led by Assistant Professor Kota Motohashi, Associate Professor Atsushi Sakuda, and Professor Akitoshi Hayashi, has developed a new electrolyte that boasts high conductivity, excellent formability, and impressive electrochemical stability.

The team achieved high conductivity at room temperature by introducing Ta2O5 (tantalum pentoxide) to a previously developed solid electrolyte, NaTaCl6—a combination of tantalum chloride and sodium chloride.

Their discovery, Na2.25TaCl4.75O1.25, demonstrates higher electrochemical stability compared to traditional chlorides and offers improved mechanical properties [2].

“The results of this research are expected to make a significant contribution to the development of composite solid electrolytes, in addition to the glass and crystal solid electrolytes that have been developed to date,” said Professor Motohashi [1]. The team now plans to focus on unraveling the ionic conduction mechanism in composite solid electrolytes and advancing new material development.

Source: Osaka Metropolitan University

References:

1. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1059814
2. https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/news/promising-electrolyte-discovered-for-all-solid-state-batteries-391605

Cite this article:

Hana M (2024), Breakthrough in Rechargeable Battery Tech: Osaka Researchers Develop Promising Solid Electrolyte, AnaTechmaz, pp. 61