Solid-state batteries and lithium-ion batteries are at the forefront of modern energy storage, but how to tell which is better? Lithium-ion batteries that power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles dominate the present-day market. However, solid-state batteries, a newer technology, are no less promising and are expected to be a game changer.
According to a report, Li ion battery demand is expected to grow by about 33 percent annually to reach around 4.7 GWh by 2030. If you are a U.S. consumer looking for a breakthrough in EVs and electronics, this article is for you. Let us assess solid state battery vs lithium ion and explore the differences between solid-state batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion is the most popular rechargeable battery chemistry used till late. Day-to-day devices like electric vehicles and mobile phones work on these. These comprise single or multiple lithium-ion cells, along with a protective circuit board. Their protective circuit boards are installed in the device.
What is a Solid-state Battery?
Before exploring more about li ion vs solid state battery, let us also understand what a solid-state battery is. In a solid-state battery, the electrode is a solid material that creates electrical energy from chemical energy. A solid-state battery moves lithium ions from one electrode to the other. Solid electrolytes are materials comprising a solid matrix with relatively high ionic conductivity.
How Do Lithium-ion and Solid-state Batteries Work?
A battery has a few important components- an anode, cathode, separator, electrolyte, and two current collectors. The anode and cathode lithium ions move from the anode to the cathode and vice versa through the separator. This movement of ions causes the presence of free electrons in the anode.
The current collector then passes the electric current through a powered device towards the negative current collector. Lithium-ion batteries store energy by transferring lithium ions between electrodes via a liquid electrolyte. Solid-state batteries are different as they have a solid electrolyte instead.
It offers higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety due to reduced risks of leaks or fires.
Solid-state Battery vs. Lithium-ion: A Quick Comparison
The main difference between solid-state cells and lithium-ion batteries lies in the electrolyte being used. Traditional lithium-ion cells use a liquid electrolyte. On the other hand, solid-state cells within lithium ions have solid electrodes and an electrolyte. Other battery chemistries have been made into solid-state configurations instead of starting from scratch with a new design.
Learn more about solid state battery versus lithium ion:
Differences | Solid-state batteries | Lithium-ion batteries |
Electrolyte | Solid | Liquid |
Energy density | High | Low |
Self-discharge | Low | High |
Manufacturing | Expensive and tough | Affordable and established |
Commercial availability | Still in the early phase of production | Easily accessible |
Safety | Low risk of thermal runaway | High risk of thermal runaway |
Advantages of Lithium-ion and Solid-state Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and can last long. They charge quickly, making them ideal for everyday use in gadgets and electric vehicles. On the other hand, solid-state batteries have higher energy capacity, better safety, and faster charging. Both are efficient and reliable; however, solid-state batteries are considered the future as they solve some of the problems with traditional lithium-ion batteries.
The common benefits of solid-state and lithium-ion batteries:
Higher Energy Density
Both lithium-ion and solid-state batteries can store a large amount of energy relative to their size. When the solid-state electrolyte is past its use, the applicable material system for lithium-ion batteries will also change. However the use of lithium-embedded graphite anodes is not necessary. You can use anode in place of metallic lithium.
Doing this can cause a decrease in the anode material usage and a raise in the energy density of the battery. This makes them ideal for devices such as laptops, smartphones, and electric vehicles, which require compact power sources. Solid-state batteries offer high energy density and allow for longer usage times or driving ranges.
Smaller Battery Volume
Traditionally, the lithium-ion batteries use diaphragms and electrolytes. This occupies nearly 40% of the battery’s volume and 24% of its mass. But when solid-state electrolytes are used, the distances between the negative and positive electrodes can be reduced to micrometers. This reduces battery thickness.
Quick Charging
Solid-state batteries charge much faster as compared to traditional options such as nickel-cadmium or lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are widely used because of their fast-charging capability. Solid-state batteries are expected to charge quicker and cut charging times significantly. This makes both kinds of batteries convenient for busy lifestyles.
High Flexibility
When the thickness is reduced to millimeters or below, ceramic materials that are usually brittle can be made flexible. Solid-state batteries can be made thin, lightweight, and therefore, flexible. When you use appropriate packaging materials, the batteries can withstand several bending cycles without degrading the performance.
High Safety
It may so happen that lithium dendrites may form under high current operation. These dendrites can puncture the diaphragm. As the electrolyte is an organic liquid and can undergo side reactions, high temperatures can cause gas production and combustion. When you adopt a solid-state battery technology, it can resolve these issues.
Current Challenges: Solid State Battery vs Lithium Ion Battery
Despite their benefits, solid-state batteries present several engineering challenges. The first difficulty lies in the manufacturing process. Producing solid-state electrolytes at scale is more complex, as ensuring a solid electrolyte that is both chemically inert and stable while being a strong conductor of ions between the electrodes remains a crucial engineering challenge.
Additionally, the formation of dendrites is concerning, especially while using lithium metal anodes. The current production costs of solid-state batteries are higher and hamper their economic viability for widespread adoption.
Environmental impact: Lithium-ion battery vs Solid-state Battery
Solid-state batteries are a better bet, as unlike lithium-ion, they do not use cobalt, which is extremely hazardous in nature. They use a lot of lithium and mining and manufacturing, which needs huge quantities of water. This can deprive surrounding areas.
A recent investigation by the Howard Center found that the brining process that extracts lithium hidden in saltwater uses hundreds of millions of gallons of freshwater per year. Over-pumping can not only decrease source levels but also damage aquifers, causing fissures in the ground.
Recent Breakthroughs and Innovations
One of the most remarkable advancements in solid-state battery technology is the improvement of energy density. New developments are made towards developing composite materials that can enhance energy storage. According to a recent study, it showed a 50% increase in energy density with the help of advanced composite cathodes.
The lifecycle and longevity of solid-state batteries are said to improve. The latest innovations have enabled batteries to withstand more charge-discharge cycles. The automotive industry, in particular, will make a lot of advancements due to solid-state battery technology. EVs need high energy density and durable batteries. Solid-state batteries rightly meet these needs.
Lithium vs Solid State Battery: Which One is Better?
So now that you know the difference between lithium ion and solid state batteries, understand which one is better. The answer depends on your requirements. While lithium-ion batteries are more robust and available, they have a short lifespan and lack safety. If you are looking at safety, charging speed, and energy density, solid-state batteries are much superior. The technology promises a lot and hence has a long way to go.
As time advances, solid-state batteries appear to be more poised and a more preferred choice of EV. But for now, lithium-ion batteries are the practical choice for most applicants.
FAQs:
Yes, solid-state batteries are safer. They are less prone to overheating and have a decreased chance of explosions or catching fire. It reduces the risk of catching fire as it has replaced flammable liquid electrolytes with a stable, non-flammable solid. This takes away the risk of leakage and makes batteries much safer.
Solid-state batteries are more expensive as they are new and not easy to manufacture in large quantities. On the contrary, lithium-ion batteries are cheaper and have been around longer.
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