(Top row, from left) Researcher Hae-Yong Kim (Dongguk University), Prof. Eunryeol Lee (Chungbuk National University), Prof. Kyung-Wan Nam (Dongguk University), Prof. Yoon Seok Jung (Yonsei University)>
Expectations are rising for all-solid-state batteries—the “dream battery” with low hearth threat—not just for electrical autos but in addition for numerous fields equivalent to robotics and Urban Air Mobility (UAM). A analysis group at our college has offered a brand new design precept that concurrently overcomes the constraints of stable electrolytes, which have been beforehand weak to air publicity and suffered from low efficiency. This expertise is gaining important consideration as it may improve each battery security and charging speeds, demonstrating the feasibility of commercializing next-generation all-solid-state batteries.
KAIST introduced on April sixteenth {that a} analysis group led by Professor Dong-Hwa Seo from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, by joint analysis with groups from Dongguk University (President Jae-Woong Yoon), Yonsei University (President Dong-Sup Yoon), and Chungbuk National University (Acting President Yu-Sik Park), has developed a design expertise for stable electrolytes used in all-solid-state batteries. This expertise maintains structural stability even when uncovered to air whereas dramatically growing ionic conductivity.
Unlike typical lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes, all-solid-state batteries are spotlighted as next-generation batteries resulting from their low hearth threat. Among these, halide-based stable electrolytes—which include halogen components equivalent to chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br)—are advantageous in phrases of efficiency resulting from their excessive ionic conductivity. However, they’re identified to be troublesome supplies to fabricate and deal with as a result of they’re extremely weak to moisture in the air, which simply degrades their efficiency.
To clear up this drawback, the analysis group launched a brand new construction known as “Oxygen Anchoring.” This technique entails stably bonding oxygen contained in the electrolyte to strengthen its structural intergrity, a course of in which the component Tungsten performs a key function.
As a consequence, it was confirmed that the electrolyte maintains a steady construction with out collapsing, even in air-exposed environments.
Furthermore, the analysis group improved battery efficiency in addition to stability. The modifications in the interior construction of the electrolyte widened the pathways for lithium ions, permitting them to maneuver extra easily and growing the ion migration velocity. It was confirmed that the oxygen-incorporated materials exhibited an ionic conductivity roughly 2.7 occasions greater than that of typical zirconium (Zr)-based halide stable electrolytes.
Another characteristic of this expertise is that it isn’t restricted to a selected materials. The analysis group utilized the identical technique to varied halide stable electrolytes, together with these primarily based on zirconium (Zr), indium (In), yttrium (Y), and erbium (Er), and confirmed comparable results. This demonstrates that it’s a “universal design principle” relevant to a variety of battery supplies.
The analysis group expects this expertise to contribute to the event of stable electrolytes that possess each air stability and excessive efficiency.
Professor Dong-Hwa Seo acknowledged, “This study presents a new material design principle that optimizes multiple performances through a structural design strategy that simultaneously improves air stability and ionic conductivity. It will serve as a key indicator for future all-solid-state battery research and process development.”
This research concerned Jae-Seung Kim (previously KAIST, now SNU), Heeju Park, and Hae-Yong Kim as joint first authors. The analysis included contributions from Eunryeol Lee, Heewon Kim, Soeul Lee, Jinyeong Choe, Jiwon Seo, Hyeon-Jong Lee, Hojoon Kim, Jemin Yeon, and Yoon Seok Jung. The findings have been revealed on March 6, 2026, in the worldwide tutorial journal Advanced Energy Materials.
This analysis was performed with assist from the Samsung Electronics Future Technology Promotion Center and the Nano and Materials Technology Development Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea. Computational research have been carried out utilizing the sources of the National Supercomputing Center.