South Korean scientists have achieved a breakthrough in solid-state lithium battery for electric vehicles that can dramatically lengthen drive on single charge and ensure greater safety.

According to the study published in the international academic journal Nature on Thursday, the joint research team led by Kim Beom-jun, professor of the Department of Chemical and Bio-molecular Engineering at KAIST, and Lee Seung-woo, professor at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), has developed a new concept of solid-state electrolyte that can lead to the development of hitherto most advanced all-solid-state battery. The all-solid-state lithium battery, which changes the electrolyte between the anode and the cathode of a secondary battery from a high-risk liquid to solid, enables a large battery capacity and improves driving safety.

The joint research team has developed a rubber-type polymer electrolyte, or elastomeric electrolyte, that transmits ions at room temperature and applied it to the all-solid-state battery. Currently, electric vehicles can travel up to 500 km on a single charge, but if the newly developed all-solid-state lithium metal battery is installed, electric cars would be able to travel up to 800 km on a single charge, according to the research team.

"We have developed the world`s best-performing all-solid-state battery, based on a solid electrolyte, which is completely different from the existing one,” said Professor Kim. “The newly developed electrolyte has dramatically improved the current problems and the manufacturing process is simple. I believe the new electrolyte will create a paradigm shift."

With rising interest in all-solid-state batteries, South Korean battery makers have been working with academia to develop next-generation battery technologies. SK Innovation is in discussions with Georgia Tech on joint research on new batteries. The company also announced a plan for joint development with John Goodenough, professor at the University of Texas and winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2021.

By Jung Hee-young, Park Yun-gu, and Jenny Lee

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