Overview

• Researchers at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, built and tested a rechargeable all-solid-state hydride-ion cell operating at room temperature.
• The electrolyte uses a heterojunction-inspired 3CeH3@BaH2 core–shell design, with a BaH2 shell stabilizing a CeH3 core to support fast hydride-ion conduction.
• The assembled CeH2|3CeH3@BaH2|NaAlH4 cell delivered 984 mAh/g on initial discharge at room temperature and retained 402 mAh/g after 20 cycles.
• In a stacked configuration the device reached 1.9 V and powered a yellow LED, demonstrating a practical proof of concept.
• The team cites potential safety advantages over lithium-ion systems alongside significant challenges in cycle life and scale-up before any consumer application.