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UT Dallas Team Uncovers Space Charge Layer Effect to Enhance Solid-State Batteries

BEACONS researchers plan to translate the discovery into commercial solid-state battery designs offering enhanced safety alongside higher energy density

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Materials science and engineering doctoral student Jiaqi Ke conducts electrochemical testing using a three-electrode cell setup to evaluate the stability of a newly developed electrolyte.

Overview

  • Mixing lithium zirconium chloride and lithium yttrium chloride at their interface generates a space charge layer that accelerates ionic movement.
  • The space charge layer forms unique ion transport channels that surpass the conductivity of each solid electrolyte alone.
  • Solid-state batteries leveraging this effect could store more than twice the energy of liquid-electrolyte cells while eliminating flammability risks.
  • The study is part of the Department of Defense-funded BEACONS initiative, which received $30 million to develop next-generation battery technologies.
  • Researchers will continue exploring how interface composition and structure optimize ionic conductivity for future commercial applications.