Why solid-state batteries keep short-circuiting
16 hours ago
- #dendrite formation
- #MIT research
- #solid-state batteries
- Solid-state batteries could be safer and more energy-dense than lithium-ion batteries, but dendrite formation causes short circuits.
- MIT research shows dendrite growth in solid-state batteries is not primarily from mechanical stress but from chemical reactions weakening the electrolyte.
- Using new measurement techniques like birefringence microscopy, researchers found dendrites grow at stress levels much lower than expected.
- Chemical reactions from high electrical currents make the electrolyte brittle, explaining why stronger electrolytes alone haven't solved the dendrite problem.
- The findings emphasize the need for chemically stable electrolytes to advance high-density solid-state batteries.