Domestic researchers unveiled a key mechanism that can drastically enhance the performance of 'all-solid-state batteries,' which are garnering attention as next-generation batteries.
The National Research Foundation of Korea noted on the 16th that a research team led by Professor Kim Dong-wan from Korea University developed a process to maximize the performance of lithium argyrodite-based solid electrolytes, a key material for all-solid-state batteries, and identified the mechanism to enhance their performance.
All-solid-state batteries are devices that replace the 'electrolyte' which transmits ions between the anode and cathode from conventional flammable liquids to solids. Among these, lithium argyrodite, a sulfide-based lithium-ion conductor, is regarded as a crucial material for the development of all-solid-state batteries due to its high ionic conductivity. However, there were limitations because the manufacturing process was complex and time-consuming.
The research team improved the synthesis process of the sulfide-based lithium-ion conductor by introducing a wet process that uses only one solvent. The solid electrolyte manufactured through the new process exhibited reduced particle size and increased surface area to volume ratio. As a result, the substituted atoms were accumulated more effectively, enhancing ionic conductivity.
Professor Kim Dong-wan said, 'The significance of this research is that we have identified the mechanism that drastically enhances the performance of the key material for next-generation all-solid-state batteries,' and added, 'We will actively promote follow-up research for the development of safer and high-performance all-solid-state batteries in the future.'
The results of this research were published in the international journal of materials, 'Advanced Energy Materials,' on March 23rd.
References
Advanced Energy Materials (2025), DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202500532