This groundbreaking discovery took place at the University of Liverpool where a solid material was engineered to quickly transport lithium ions. This new material based on non-toxic, earth-abundant elements is a breakthrough in solving global energy storage problems and can change the situation with lithium-ion battery technology.

The Industry-Changing Impact on Battery Technology

This breakthrough was demonstrated by researchers from the University of Liverpool who blended a computational approach with experimental wisdom. Working with leading academics and high-quality AI tools, they came up with an idea and executed it to develop a solid-state lithium-ion conductor that can hold sufficient power to handle lithium-ion batteries’ liquid electrolytes.

This feature of designing such a versatile and effective ion transfer mechanism helps to overcome a major shortage of the present lithium-ion battery technology –liquid electrolytes. But these liquid components also pose safety hazards for the battery on issues of leakage and stability for high-power applications including electric vehicles. This newly discovered solid material provides a more safer and stable material without compromising energy efficiency.

Thus, the structure of the material allows for a higher energy capacity, which is essential for application in high-performance and safe batteries of the next generation. It also provides a new chemical playground to look at other solid-state materials that can mimic and potentially surpass these characteristics.

The team at the University of Liverpool showcased the power of combining computational techniques with experimental insights. 

A Closer Look at Superionic Lithium Transport

At the heart of this discovery is the phenomenon of superionic lithium transport. Unlike traditional lithium-ion conductors, where ions move through tightly packed, rigid pathways, the new material offers a much more flexible route for ion transport. This is achieved through a unique chemical structure featuring multiple coordination environments for the lithium ions.

At the heart of this discovery is the phenomenon of superionic lithium transport. Contrary to the lithium-ion conductors where ions are embedded in densely packed and rigid channels, the new material presents a much less restricted and flexible ion path. This is done given the unique chemical structure where multiple coordination environments for the lithium ions are provided.

The material, Li₇Si₂S₇I, is designed using two-anion packing, meaning it incorporates two different negatively charged ions, sulfide (S²⁻) and iodide (I⁻). These ions are arranged in a way that creates multiple distinct environments for lithium ions to navigate. This novel structure, combining elements of both hexagonal and cubic close-packing, allows lithium ions to move through the material with fewer barriers, greatly enhancing conductivity.

More diverse routes for Lithium ions’ movement are provided in this design, thus reducing the energy that is used in the transport of ions, making it faster. This is a considerable deviation from the regular observed in solid electrolytes, where lithium ions often face bottlenecks in highly coordinated, narrow pathways. Lithium battery positions in the new material are diverse, and it expands new prospects for future improvements in the solid-state battery design.

How Can We Help

As researchers push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery innovation, MSE Supplies stands ready to support the industry with high-quality materials and equipment. Our extensive product catalog includes essential components for solid-state battery research, such as high-purity inorganic compounds and solid electrolyte materials. Whether you are synthesizing new solid electrolytes or scaling up production, MSE Supplies provides the tools necessary for success in lithium battery and renewable energy applications.

When lithium-ion battery research endeavors find new horizons of progress, MSE Supplies will be prepared to contribute with premium materials and tools. We offer a large range of product catalogs essential in the development of solid-state batteries including High-Purity Inorganic Materials and Lithium Ion Battery Supplies, Equipment, & Materials. Whether you are developing new solid electrolyte materials or reaching for the mass production of lithium batteries, MSE Supplies has everything you need for lithium batteries as well as renewable energy industries.

We are committed to supplying materials that enable cutting-edge research like the discovery of this new lithium-ion conductor. From solid electrolyte battery materials to lithium battery & renewable energy products, we offer everything needed to bring breakthrough ideas to life.

Explore the Future of Sustainable Batteries with MSE Supplies

With the ongoing and increasing research on better materials such as the superionic lithium conductor, the future of green energy storage has never looked brighter. By partnering with MSE Supplies, you are assured of the opportunity to work with top-quality materials,  expert guidance and resources that will help your research move to the next level.

Leverage our resources and technology for battery materials and renewable energy to stay competitive in this quickly growing industry for lithium batteries. Whether you are inventing the next generation of solid-state batteries or enhancing existing systems, we are here to get the results you want.