(When) Will we see Solid-State Batteries? Prof. Jennifer Rupp

Show notes

Battery manufacturers around the world have been announcing solid-state cells for its groundbreaking characteristics. Yes, we see multiple outstanding (almost-) solid-state lab cells (some of which are already on the market!) but the high expectations have never really met reality: Not a single car manufacturer is currently placing all-solid-state cells in their EVs. So, whats taking them so long?

Our podcast guest Prof. Jennifer Rupp researches solid state materials for sustainable energy storage and conversion. Her research on batteries is currently centered on designing novel classes of lithium solid state conductors, inventing cheap battery solid state synthesis routes for new hybrid and solid cell designs and defining cyber-physical battery synthesis and high throughput analytics.

We ask her how solid-state batteries work and what types of ASSBs (All-Solid-State-Batteries) could deliver tomorrow's best performance. Obviously, like in current lithium-ion batteries, the interplay between anode, cathode and electrolyte is mystery but determinant of success at the same time.

So what material approaches for solid state electrolytes batteries are the experts talking about? Solid electrolytes can be divided into organic and inorganic electrolytes. For inorganic electrolytes, the advantages for safety are predominant as they are non-flammable and do not contain toxic materials. Oxide-based electrolytes usually have good chemical stability and are compatible with high-energy cathode materials. However, the ion conductivity is lower than for sulfide-based electrolytes. Sulfide-based electrolytes generally have a higher ionic conductivity, but are more chemically unstable. For more, click in, tune in and stay charged!

Links: https://www.ch.tum.de/ch/fakultaet/personen/aktive-mitglieder/r/prof-dr-jennifer-rupp/