The world’s fifth-largest EV battery manufacturer, South Korea’s SK On, recently announced it created a new material that could change the efficiency of solid-state batteries forever.
The project was completed in collaboration with Dankook University and resulted in patent applications for technology both in the country and abroad.
According to the report published in Advanced Functional Materials, the battery component has 70% higher lithium-ion conductivity than other batteries, and that means it will charge faster. The scientists estimate this innovation will increase the battery capacity by up to 25%, which drives down the time it takes to recharge. It may also improve EV mileage and the battery’s fire safety, per the company.
The partnership was able to complete this goal by altering the levels of a chemical compound called lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide in the battery. The team also made the battery more stable when exposed to air, which will increase its charging efficiency.
In addition, this battery can be used on numerous types of solid-state batteries, including the conventional nickel-cobalt-manganese cathodes as well as new innovations like lithium-sulfur batteries and lithium-air cells.