Samsung Electronics has announced that it has developed a solid-state battery technology that provides a range of electric vehicles (EV) of 500 miles (800 km) on a single charge. The battery which is developed for electric vehicles has a life cycle of over 1,000 charges.
Compared to widely used lithium-ion batteries, which utilize liquid electrolytes, all-solid-state batteries support greater energy density, which opens the door for larger capacities, and utilize solid electrolytes, which are demonstrably safer.
However, the lithium metal anodes that are frequently used in all-solid-state batteries, are prone to trigger the growth of dendrites which can produce undesirable side effects that reduce a battery’s lifespan and safety.
To overcome those effects, Samsung’s researchers proposed utilizing, for the first time, a silver-carbon (Ag-C) composite layer as the anode. The team found that incorporating an Ag-C layer into a prototype pouch cell enabled the battery to support a larger capacity, a longer cycle life, and enhanced its overall safety.
Measuring just 5µm (micrometers) thick, the ultrathin Ag-C nanocomposite layer allowed the team to reduce anode thickness and increase energy density up to 900Wh/L.
It also enabled them to make their prototype approximately 50 percent smaller by volume than a conventional lithium-ion battery.
The new battery is fire resistant as it uses solid materials and is Eco-friendly since no toxic chemicals have been added. It is 2.5 times more energy dense than its counterpart.
The team discovered that incorporating a silver-carbon layer into a prototype pouch cell enabled the battery to support a larger capacity, a longer cycle life and improves its overall safety.
As electric vehicles industry is heating up many electronic companies in the world are competing to create a suitable ( small and powerful) battery for electric vehicles.
For now it seems like Samsung is winning the race, as it has bought a market-ready prototype however the commercial launch is still sometime away.
Reference- Samsung Newsroom, Electrive, The Verge, InsideEVs