Hitachi Zosen has begun supplying samples of the industry's first solid-state lithium-ion batteries with sulfate-containing electrode materials. The electrolyte in AS-LiB (all-solid lithium-ion battery) batteries is in a solid state, and not in a liquid or gel state, as in conventional lithium-ion batteries, which determines a number of key and unique features of the novelty.
So, the solid electrolyte in AS-LiB batteries does not burn, does not evaporate and does not coagulate (does not thicken) to fairly low temperatures. The stated operating temperature range for AS-LiB batteries is -40Β°C to 120Β°C. At the same time, the operating parameters of the batteries do not change critically over the entire range. The absence of volatile substances allows the batteries to work in a vacuum. Their bodies will not swell during operation. And this is not to mention the fact that the scourge of lithium-ion batteries - the danger of ignition and explosion - simply does not threaten this class of batteries.
Taking into account the listed properties, AS-LiB batteries are supposed to be used in spacecraft, medical devices and industrial equipment. In the future, Hitachi Zosen plans to produce solid-state lithium-ion batteries for stationary power storage, distribution networks and electric vehicles.
Unfortunately, every medal has a downside. In the case of AS-LiB Hitachi batteries, these are low energy storage density and the ratio of stored power to weight. The company did not specify these parameters, but judging by the presented sample - a battery with sides of 52 Γ 65,5 Γ 2,7 mm and weighing 25 grams, solid-state batteries barely reach 10% of those of lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolyte . For the AS-LiB Hitachi sample, these are 55,6 Wh/L and 20,4 Wh/kg. But if we compare the new development with nickel-cadmium batteries for space, then everything is not so bad. They are only twice as heavy as nickel-cadmium in terms of stored energy and can benefit from reduced case weight.
AS-LiB Hitachi batteries have one more disadvantage - production must take place in conditions of very low humidity. The electrode material readily forms hydrogen sulfide when combined with moisture. Therefore, Hitachi has developed technology and industrial equipment for the production of solid-state lithium-ion batteries, and is ready to sell licenses to organize production by third parties. The developer will start commercial deliveries of AS-LiB batteries until April 2020.
Source: 3dnews.ru