The Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) has made a significant breakthrough in the field of energy storage with the development of a new technology aimed at advancing the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries. Dr. Park Jun-woo and Sung Junghwan have successfully engineered a revolutionary technology that focuses on the “size-controlled wet-chemical synthesis of solid-state electrolytes (sulfide superionic conductors).” This technology not only reduces processing time and costs by over fifty percent but also significantly improves the quality of the solid-state electrolytes.
All-solid-state batteries utilize solid-state electrolytes instead of liquid ones for ion transfer between the cathode and anode, thus reducing the risk of fire or explosion. However, in order to be integrated into these batteries, solid-state electrolytes must be extremely small, measuring only a few micrometers in thickness. KERI has developed a technology capable of mass-producing these tiny solid-state electrolytes with increased ionic conductivity through a simplified process. This innovative approach eliminates the need for additional processes such as mechanical grinding, saving both time and costs.
Enhanced Ionic Conductivity
By employing microscopic raw materials and controlling the nucleation rate of each material during chemical reactions, Dr. Park’s team was able to significantly reduce the size of the solid-state electrolytes. This resulted in a remarkable improvement in ionic conductivity, doubling the conductivity achieved through existing production methods. The team at KERI conducted years of experiments and analyses to identify the ideal combination of materials and chemical reactions, ultimately leading to this groundbreaking achievement.
Following this breakthrough, KERI has submitted several patent applications and anticipates significant interest from the all-solid-state battery industry. The institute plans to enter into technology transfer agreements with companies that show interest in this new technology. Additionally, KERI aims to combine this accomplishment with a previous development of a special wet synthesis technique that can mass-produce solid-state electrolytes at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods, further solidifying its position as a leader in the low-cost mass production of high-quality solid-state electrolytes.
The research conducted by KERI represents a significant step towards the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries. The development of a cost-effective and efficient method for producing high-quality solid-state electrolytes has the potential to revolutionize the energy storage industry. With continued advancements and collaborations with industry partners, KERI is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of energy storage technology.
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