In the quest to revolutionize energy storage, solid-state batteries have emerged as a promising frontier, offering enhanced safety and higher energy densities compared to their liquid-electrolyte counterparts. A recent study published in the journal *Nature Communications Chemistry* (formerly known as Communications Chemistry) sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of this technology: the chemical stability between current collectors and sulfide-based electrolytes. The research, led by Artur Tron from the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, could significantly influence the commercialization of solid-state batteries, particularly in the energy sector.
Solid-state batteries rely on solid electrolytes to facilitate ion transport between the anode and cathode. Among these, sulfide-based electrolytes, particularly the argyrodite family (Li6PS5X, where X can be Cl, Br, or I), have garnered attention due to their high ionic conductivity. However, their chemical and electrochemical stability when in contact with current collectors—essential components that facilitate the flow of electrons—has not been thoroughly investigated, especially in formats like coin cells or pouch cells, which are more relevant for industrial applications.
Tron and his team systematically analyzed the behavior of various current collectors, including copper, nickel, stainless steel, aluminum, and aluminum-carbon, when in contact with the Li6PS5Cl electrolyte in a coin cell format. Their findings reveal that while stainless steel, nickel, aluminum, and aluminum-carbon exhibit good chemical stability, copper, lithium, and copper/lithium combinations show high corrosion susceptibility. This insight is crucial for the industrialization of solid-state batteries, as it guides the selection of appropriate current collectors, particularly for those fabricated via wet chemistry processes.
“The choice of current collector can significantly impact the performance and longevity of solid-state batteries,” Tron explained. “Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the reaction mechanisms, which is essential for optimizing the design and manufacturing processes of these batteries.”
The implications of this research extend beyond the laboratory. As the energy sector increasingly turns to solid-state batteries for applications ranging from electric vehicles to grid storage, understanding and mitigating potential issues like corrosion and chemical instability become paramount. By addressing these challenges head-on, researchers and manufacturers can accelerate the development and deployment of more reliable and efficient energy storage solutions.
“This study supports the selection of appropriate current collectors for fabricating sulfide-based components, especially via the wet chemistry process, which is a promising approach for the industrialization of solid-state batteries with sulfide electrolyte,” Tron added.
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the insights gleaned from this research could pave the way for more robust and commercially viable solid-state batteries, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient future. The study not only highlights the importance of thorough material compatibility testing but also underscores the need for continued innovation and collaboration in the field of energy storage.