Overview of the Study

As the development of ASSBs moves from the research phase toward commercialization, performance benchmarking is becoming critical. One major hurdle lies in the need for standardized assembly protocols, with each lab using custom cell configurations and setups. This can introduce significant variability in results, even when the same materials are used. In the current study which was published in Nature Energy, 21 research groups were supplied with materials—NMC 622 as the cathode, Li₆PS₅Cl (LPSCl) as the solid electrolyte, and indium foil for the negative electrode—and were tasked with assembling and cycling ASSB cells.

The goal of the study was to assess the interlaboratory comparability of ASSB performance under real-world lab conditions. Despite using the same materials, the initial discharge capacities varied widely, ranging from 23.7 mAh g−1 to 143.1 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C. This variation underscores the challenges in reproducing consistent ASSB performance due to factors like assembly pressures, electrode preparation methods, and cycling protocols. The study’s findings emphasize the need for standardized reporting and testing procedures to improve comparability and reliability in future research.

Here px and tx correspond to the applied uniaxial pressure and duration of the compression at each step, respectively. el., electrode (Puls et al., 2024).

Methodology

The materials distributed for this study were essential in standardizing the experiments across multiple research groups. The solid electrolyte, Li₆PS₅Cl (LPSCl), a 99.99% pure argyrodite powder sourced from MSE Supplies, was provided to ensure consistency in electrolyte performance. Along with single-crystalline NMC 622, also from MSE Supplies, these materials underwent careful preparation. The NMC 622 was vacuum-dried at 150°C before distribution, and the indium foil (used in the negative electrode). Each group received equal amounts of these materials, prepared under inert argon atmospheres, ensuring minimal contamination during handling. This distribution allowed the participating research teams to conduct their experiments under the same conditions, making the results comparable across different setups.

Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the purity and morphology of the distributed materials before experiments began. The solid electrolyte’s ionic conductivity was then measured via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to assess its behavior across temperature variations. The distributed NMC 622 was used as the positive electrode in reference lithium-ion cells, while the LPSCl solid electrolyte and indium-based alloy served as key components in the all-solid-state battery (ASSB) assemblies. These standardized materials played a vital role in ensuring reliable and reproducible results throughout the study, enabling researchers to evaluate the performance of the assembled ASSBs and their electrochemical properties with high accuracy.

Understanding ASSBs: Conclusion of the Study

The study revealed that differences in ASSB cell preparation practices result in different material characteristics such as compression profiles and electrode morphology, which significantly impact battery performance. These discrepancies underscore the challenges in achieving consistent, reproducible data across labs. Despite the use of common materials such as Li₆PS₅Cl and NMC 622 minimizing differences in performance due to material components, the lack of standardized assembly procedures led to a wide range of cycling behaviors.

Future research needs to build upon these inconsistencies by developing uniform fabrication procedures, testing protocols and reporting standards. As the concept of ASSBs progresses toward commercialization, a reliable and comparable standard of performance data will be important for its future success. The study also recommends that future research be directed toward the design, optimization and testing of material compositions for pouch cells, thereby filling the gap between experimentation at the laboratory scale and industrial application.

MSE Supplies - Your Partner in Innovation

At MSE Supplies, we are proud to be a part of groundbreaking studies like this one by supplying researchers with top-quality materials to help push the boundaries of energy storage technology. Our collaboration with Ampcera in providing  Li₆PS₅Cl and NMC 622, supports the advancements needed to commercialize ASSBs. With MSE Supplies as your partner, you gain access to industry-leading products and a team dedicated to supporting your research and innovation.

MSE Supplies is proud to support studies such as these, as we provide researchers with the materials they need to advance and push the boundaries of energy storage technology. Our collaboration with Ampcera, along with our extensive range of solid-state battery materials, supports the advancements needed to commercialize ASSBs. That is why choosing MSE Supplies as your partner means selecting the industry’s best equipment and a team willing to help you dedicate your time to research and innovation.

Ready to take your research to the next level? Contact MSE Supplies for high-quality materials, expert support, and a commitment to driving innovation. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates in advanced materials and cutting-edge research.

Source: 

1. Puls, S., Nazmutdinova, E., Kalyk, F., Woolley, H. M., Thomsen, J. F., Cheng, Z., Fauchier-Magnan, A., Gautam, A., Gockeln, M., Ham, S., Hasan, M. T., Jeong, M., Hiraoka, D., Kim, J. S., Kutsch, T., Lelotte, B., Minnmann, P., Miß, V., Motohashi, K., . . . Vargas-Barbosa, N. M. (2024). Benchmarking the reproducibility of all-solid-state battery cell performance. Nature Energy. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-024-01634-3