Researchers advance solid-state battery safety and analysis

Researchers are making advancements in the development of next-generation energy storage, specifically focusing on solid-state and sodium-ion batteries.

A team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has identified the source of false topographical signals in nanoscale battery analysis. By using a cryogenic cross-section polisher, the team successfully eliminated surface artifacts that previously caused visual illusions of ion movement. This correction ensures more reliable measurements during electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM), which is vital for mapping ion migration.

In a separate development, collaborative research involving Stanford University, SLAC, and the University of Waterloo has addressed the issue of dendrites in solid-state batteries. Dendrites are needle-like metallic structures that grow within ceramic electrolytes and cause short circuits.

By applying lateral mechanical compression to the ceramic electrolyte using a shape-memory alloy ring, researchers forced dendrite growth to occur horizontally rather than vertically toward the electrodes. This method prevented short circuits despite the presence of dendrites, demonstrating a potential new design strategy for safer, high-density energy storage.