Missouri Researchers Advance Solid-State Battery Tech with Atomic-Level Analysis

Researchers at the University of Missouri have made a significant stride in solid-state battery technology. Assistant Professor Matthias Young and his team are exploring the use of solid electrolytes to create safer and more efficient batteries. A key challenge has been the formation of an interphase layer between the solid electrolyte and the cathode, hindering ion and electron movement. Using four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D STEM), the team examined the battery's atomic structure without disassembly. This allowed them to identify the interphase layer as the primary cause of resistance. Young's lab specializes in thin-film materials, and they plan to test whether these materials can form protective coatings to prevent the reaction between the solid electrolyte and cathode. The goal is to create coatings that are thin enough to prevent reactions but thick enough to allow lithium-ion flow. This nanoscale engineering approach aims to integrate these materials seamlessly, bringing solid-state batteries closer to practical application.