Luleå University of Technology discovers new materials that could lead to better batteries

Solid-state lithium batteries have the potential to transform energy storage by offering higher energy density and improved safety compared to today’s lithium-ion batteries. But their limited lifespan remains a major challenge. To address this, researchers at Luleå University of Technology have developed new materials that can significantly extend battery life.

Lithium metal batteries are considered a promising solution for future energy systems. They offer both higher performance and improved safety. By replacing the traditional liquid electrolyte with a solid-state electrolyte – so-called solid-state batteries – they can operate at higher voltage and with lower risk of fire or leakage.

“This is an important step forward, but further development is needed before the technology is ready for use in electric vehicles. We need to ensure that the materials perform reliably even under high loading mass active material and in varying environments,” says Xiaoyan Ji, Professor of Energy Engineering at Luleå University of Technology and the principal supervisor and responsible Principal Investigator for the research.

Solid-state batteries with high energy density have great potential as batteries in electric vehicles, stationary energy storage, and portable electronics.

The research is conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Process Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.