Engineers from the University of San Diego successfully test a silicon battery

The evolution of batteries The continued push towards electric mobility shows no signs of slowing down. A team of researchers at the University of San Diego has embarked on the development of a solid-state silicon battery, and to their amazement, the stability evidenced during the investigations has generated a positive impression that could be elevated to a higher level.

He silicon has the ability to provide a high energy density through its anode, being even up to 10 times higher than that offered by anodes composed of a graphite structure. However, every time it is combined with a liquid electrolyte, it experiences a significant degradation which negatively impacts its performance.

Until now, solid-state batteries have faced challenges in charge stability, especially when using lithium metal anodes. However, the researchers were surprised to demonstrate successful signs of stability when exceed 60 degrees Celsius.

This advancement enables fast charging speeds even at lower temperatures, addressing one of the historical limitations associated with solid-state batteries.

The nanostructures experts who led the research at the University of San Diego managed to increase the number of charge and discharge cycles in the silicon battery with solid electrolyte up to ten times, compared to conventional lithium batteries.

This advance allowed the battery to fulfill its function up to 500 times, retaining 80% of its total capacity. The success of this project is attributed in part to the replacement of the liquid electrolyte with a solid sulfide-based one, which provides highly significant stability in batteries with silicon anodes.

For a long time, it was considered that this would not be feasible due to the thermodynamic interpretations used, which did not take into account the kinetic stability of the solid electrolytes. “We needed a completely different approach,” said Shirley Meng, professor of nanoengineering at the University of San Diego.

“With this battery configuration, we are exploring new territory for solid-state batteries that incorporate alloy anodes, such as silicon. “The results provide us with exciting opportunities to meet market demands, offering batteries with higher energy density, reduced costs and greater safety,” says Darren HS Tan, lead author of the article.

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