Solid-State Batteries: Fundamentals and Challenges

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) have attracted enormous attention as one of the critical future technologies due to the probability of realizing higher energy density and superior safety performance compared with state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. As the key component in SSBs, solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) with non-flammability and good adaptability to lithium metal anodes have attracted extensive attention in recent years. However, there are still intimidating challenges for developing low-cost and industrially scalable solid-state batteries with high energy density and stable cycling life for large-scale energy storage and electric vehicle applications. This presentation offers an overview of the scientific challenges, fundamental mechanisms, and specifically focusing on the stability issues of solid-state electrolytes and the associated interfaces with both cathode and anode electrodes. Following the obtained insights, perspectives are given in the end on how to design practically accessible solid-state batteries in the future.