Researchers develop new materials for solid-state and sodium-metal batteries

Researchers are developing new materials to address mechanical and stability challenges in next-generation battery technologies.

At Rice University, scientists have developed ZnBTCA, a flexible metal-organic framework (MOF) designed for solid-state batteries. Unlike traditional MOFs that use rigid aromatic linkers, ZnBTCA utilizes a flexible aliphatic linker. This allows the material to be more mechanically adaptable while selectively transporting lithium ions. The material is composed of abundant, low-cost components such as zinc.

Separately, researchers at the University of Tokyo have addressed the issue of dendrite formation in sodium-metal batteries. Dendrites are needle-like structures that grow during charging and can cause short circuits. The team developed a quasi-solid, freeze-resistant electrolyte that physically prevents dendrite growth and provides mechanical reinforcement. This prototype, which uses abundant sodium instead of lithium, demonstrated stability during charge and discharge cycles lasting over 6,000 hours.