QINGDAO -- Chinese researchers have recently achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of all-solid-state lithium batteries, potentially paving the way for smaller and longer-duration electronic equipment.

The findings by a team from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences were published on Wednesday in the international journal Nature Energy.
All-solid-state lithium batteries, unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries that rely on liquid electrolytes to store and release energy, use solid electrolytes, making them inherently safer.
This new technology could revolutionize the power sources used in electronic devices such as smartphones and computers by providing more stable and efficient energy storage solutions.
However, the development of all-solid-state lithium batteries comes with challenges. One of the primary issues is the difficulty in achieving a perfect match between the chemical and physical properties of different materials within the battery's cathode. This mismatch can lead to interface reactions, which can compromise the battery's energy density and lifespan.
To address these challenges, the research team proposed a cathode homogenization strategy by cold pressing a zero-strain cathode material with efficient mixed conduction throughout the (dis)charge process. This strategy can effectively address the problems caused by the conventional cathode heterogeneous design.
The new material offers higher conductivity, increased energy density and longer cycle life compared to traditional materials.
This advancement not only provides a safer and more durable power source for commercial applications such as new energy vehicles (NEVs), energy storage grids and equipment for space and ocean exploration but also holds significant promise for the development of new energy storage systems.