What is a solid-state battery?

A solid-state battery is an electrical battery that uses a solid electrolyte for ionic conductions between the electrodes, instead of the liquid or gel polymer electrolytes found in conventional batteries. Solid-state batteries theoretically offer much higher energy density than the typical lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries.

How do solid state batteries work?

Some solid-state batteries use a solid matrix suffused with a conductive solution: so-called "soggy sand" electrolytes. The cross-linked proteins and starch polymers in a potato form a matrix through which ions percolate. Lithium is the metal of choice for many solid-state batteries due to the element's high energy density and low binding energy.

Are all lithium batteries solid state?

Just like gels themselves, lithium batteries have one foot (terminal?) on the "solid-state" side of the line and the other on the "liquid electrolyte" side. Not all solid-state batteries use lithium, but most do; not all lithium batteries are solid-state, but many are.

Why are solid-state batteries the next big thing for EVs?

Solid-state battery compositions will make batteries smaller and more energy dense. That means an EV can either go further with more batteries, or do the same range but be more lightweight and, crucially, cheaper with fewer batteries.

Are solid-state batteries better than lithium ion batteries?

Solid-state batteries theoretically offer much higher energy density than the typical lithium-ion or lithium polymer batteries. While solid electrolytes were first discovered in the 19th century, several problems prevented widespread application.

Are solid-state batteries a good idea?

Solid-state batteries are nothing new – solid electrolytes were created in the 1800s by Michael Faraday, and they are currently used in medical implants. But a technique to manufacture them cheaply has been elusive. The obvious benefits have seen car companies pouring cash into research.