Solid electrolytes for solid-state Li/Na-metal batteries: inorganic, composite and polymeric materials.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Growing demand for higher energy density and safer batteries fuels research into solid-state alternatives.
• Traditional liquid-electrolyte batteries face limitations in safety and energy capacity.
• Solid-state lithium/sodium-metal batteries (SSLMBs/SSNMBs) offer a promising alternative but face challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and discuss advancements in solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries.
• To highlight strategies for overcoming critical issues in ionic conductivity, ion transference, and material compatibility.
• To provide an outlook on future research directions in solid electrolyte development.

Main Methods:

• Regulation of cubic structures in garnet-type solid electrolytes.
• Solid-solution synthesis of garnet-type and NASICON (sodium super ion conductor)-type electrolytes.
• Mechanochemical synthesis and hybrid electrolyte design for PEO-based composite electrolytes.

Main Results:

• Strategies for producing dense nano-grained NASICON-type electrolytes are presented.
• Approaches to mitigate issues in PEO-based composite electrolytes are discussed.
• Advancements in promising polymeric electrolytes are highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Significant progress has been made in developing various solid electrolyte types for SSLMBs/SSNMBs.
• Addressing ionic conductivity, ion transference, and interfacial compatibility remains crucial.
• Continued research into novel synthesis and design strategies is essential for practical solid-state battery applications.