Toward safer, longer-lasting batteries for electronics and vehicles
"Solid-state batteries inch their way toward
commercialization"
The rise of lithium-ion batteries over
the past 25 years has enabled much of today’s technology, but on occasion, they
still catch fire. Recognizing this liability, carmakers and other private
industry researchers are focusing on developing safer alternatives. Chemical
& Engineering News (C&EN), the weekly newsmagazine of the
American Chemical Society, explores the latest strides and setbacks in bringing
one promising option — solid-state batteries — to the market.
Senior C&EN Correspondent Marc S. Reisch
explains that solid-state batteries can improve the safety of lithium-ion
batteries by replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with solids. Doing so can
also give batteries greater energy density, thus allowing them a longer life.
This boost could help car manufacturers eventually satisfy government mandates
for emission-free alternatives to gas- and diesel-powered vehicles.
Toward this end, Toyota plans to put solid-state batteries in electric cars by
2022. And car manufacturers aren’t the only ones paying attention to
solid-state batteries. Apple, Dyson and Bosch are also investing in the
technology.
Industry specialists are quick to point out,
however, that the market for solid-state batteries is very small at the moment.
And while some experts expect it to grow significantly in the next five to 10
years, others express doubts. The biggest impediment to widespread
commercialization could be the price tag. Costs must drop dramatically before
solid-state batteries can really challenge the reign of traditional lithium-ion
batteries.
Chemical &
Engineering News Nov 29 2017
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