BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have recently developed a cost-effective sulfide solid electrolyte with low density and excellent anode compatibility, marking a breakthrough in the research of solid-state batteries.
All-solid-state batteries are expected to overcome the capacity and safety issues of lithium-ion batteries. Sulfide solid electrolytes are key to making all-solid-state batteries.
However, the cost of sulfide solid electrolytes generally exceeds 195 U.S. dollars per kilogram, much higher than the 50 U.S. dollars per kilogram needed for commercialization. This issue stems from the synthesis of sulfide solid electrolytes requiring a large amount of expensive lithium sulfide (Li2S).
Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a Li7P3S7.5O3.5 (LPSO) solid electrolyte. The synthesis of this material does not need the expensive Li2S, so the cost of raw materials is only 14.42 U.S. dollars per kilogram, which lies below the 50 U.S. dollars per kilogram threshold.
The LPSO solid electrolyte possess low density, excellent anode compatibility, and strong cost competitiveness. They are also believed to contribute to the outstanding cycling performance in all-solid-state batteries.
Its discovery is crucial for advancing the practical applications of all-solid-state batteries.
The study was published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition. ■