-
What are ceramic electrolytes and what advantages do they offer over liquid electrolytes?
Ceramic electrolytes are solid materials that allow the transport of ions between the anode and cathode in a battery, replacing traditional liquid electrolytes. Their main advantage is that, thanks to their solid state and thermodynamic properties, they eliminate the risk of leakage and the flammability associated with liquid electrolytes, significantly improving battery safety.
In addition, ceramic electrolytes have much greater thermal and chemical stability, allowing batteries to operate more efficiently under extreme conditions. They also enable the use of lithium metal anode, which increases the energy density of batteries.
-
Which key applications can benefit most from this technology?
Applications that require very safe batteries with high energy density are the ones that can benefit the most from ceramic electrolytes.For example, next-generation electric vehicles, which are looking to increase their range and minimize fire risks, are a key area.
We also see great potential in stationary energy storage systems, especially in industrial applications where batteries must operate in extreme conditions.Likewise, batteries with ceramic electrolytes could be crucial in sectors such as aviation and aerospace, where safety and weight are critical factors.
-
What impact do ceramic electrolytes have on the sustainability and safety of batteries?
Los electrolitos cerámicos tienen un impacto muy positivo en términos de sostenibilidad y seguridad. Al eliminar los electrolitos líquidos inflamables, reducimos significativamente los riesgos de incendio y fuga térmica, lo que mejora la seguridad general de las baterías.
Además, la amplitud en la química de los electrolitos sólidos permite variaciones en términos de composición que no solo mejoran el perfil ambiental de las baterías, sino que también las hace más accesibles y económicas en el futuro.
-
What are the main technical challenges in the development of ceramic electrolytes?
Although ceramic electrolytes offer many advantages, their development is not without challenges. One of the main challenges is to achieve a material that combines high ionic conductivity and can be processed in a very thin, micron-thick separator while maintaining good mechanical properties, as many of these materials are brittle and can suffer delamination during charge/discharge cycles.
Another challenge is to achieve stable interfaces between the ceramic electrolyte and the electrode materials, as the interaction between chemical processes (electrochemical reactions and ion transport) and mechanical phenomena (deformations, stresses, fractures) can increase resistance and limit battery performance. Finally, production costs and scalability are also important issues to be addressed if this technology is to be implemented on a large scale.
-
When might we see a large-scale implementation of this technology in commercial batteries?
Although we are still in a research and development phase, progress in recent years has been promising. We estimate that in the next 3-7 years we could see batteries with ceramic electrolytes being commercialized, especially in niche applications such as luxury vehicles or stationary storage.
To achieve this, it is critical to continue to invest in research and overcome scalability and cost challenges, but we are on the right track.
-
What role does CIC energiGUNE play in the research and development of ceramic electrolytes?
At CIC energiGUNE we are at the forefront of ceramic electrolyte research. Our work is focused on developing new materials with the best electrochemical properties, as well as optimizing their processing into components with the necessary mechanical properties to ensure their scalability and integration into prototypes, while maintaining their efficiency during battery cycling.
In addition, we collaborate with companies and universities to explore innovative solutions in the design of stable interfaces between the electrolyte and the electrodes. We also perform advanced simulations and experimental tests that allow us to better understand the behavior of these materials and accelerate their adoption in real applications.
