Advanced Applied Research toward Improving Solid-State Batteries

Dear Colleagues,

In the past decade, a significant amount of academic and industrial research attention has shifted from liquid electrolyte lithium-ion batteries toward solid-state electrolytes, which have recently shown compelling signs of a path to commercialization. Many of the challenges overcome in lithium-ion batteries are still being addressed in solid-state batteries, notably understanding and stabilizing the electrode–electrolyte interface, developing best practices in cell manufacturing and data presentation, and understanding the impacts of various cell components on long term performance. Solid-state electrolytes offer potential advantages in battery safety and energy density relative to lithium-ion batteries, however, to date most published studies have focused on basic materials research and small-scale testing.

The aim of this Special Issue is to explore the practical issues facing solid-state batteries which must be resolved prior to commercialization. Mechanical failure of solid-electrolytes leading to dendrite formation and propagation, interfacial compatibility and interphase formation at both the anode-electrolyte and cathode–electrolyte interfaces, and acceptable battery safety for solid-state batteries utilizing lithium and silicon anodes are all major challenges. Furthermore, relating these behaviors to external factors such as stack pressure, cell temperature, and cycling rate are critically important. As a result, there is a significant need for rigorous applied research to accelerate the adoption of solid-state electrolytes. Submissions focused on relating synthesis and structure of electrolyte compounds, characterization of interphase formation, and mechanisms of parasitic side-reactions to full-cell solid-state battery performance are of particular interest to this Special Issue.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Gordon Henry Waller
Dr. Dongchang Chen
Guest Editors

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• solid-state electrolytes
• cell manufacturing
• safety testing
• calorimetry
• mechanical testing
• electrode–electrolyte interface
• dendrite