Semiconductor manufacturing technology is ushering in a new era of solid state batteries

Mondo Technology Updated on 2024-02-23

In today's rapid development, the evolution of battery technology plays a crucial role and affects all aspects of our lives. The rise of solid-state batteries (SSBs) is a technological revolution that will lead us to a more efficient, safe and sustainable future of electricity.

Behind this technological innovation, semiconductor manufacturing technology is playing a vital role.

1. The challenge of solid-state electrolytes

The solid-state electrolyte is the core component of an all-solid-state battery (SSB) and is responsible for facilitating the transport of ions in the battery. Among them, sulfide-type solid electrolytes (SSE) such as indium sulfate silver ore have attracted much attention due to their high ionic conductivity and superior mechanical properties. However, these materials face a number of key challenges that affect their broad application and commercialization prospects.

01.Intrinsic instability

The sulfide-type SSE exhibits inherent instability under environmental conditions, especially being highly sensitive to atmospheric humidity and oxygen. This puts these materials at risk of rapid degradation and loss of performance in real-world applications. The application of semiconductor manufacturing technology provides a possible solution for the stability of sulfide SSE. Through microfabrication techniques, we can precisely control the sulfide SSE structure and improve its resistance to humidity and oxygen attack, thereby enhancing stability in the environment.

02.Interface issues between electrodes and SSE

The interface between the SSE and the electrodes, including the cathode and anode, is another key challenge that needs to be addressed. Instability at these interfaces can lead to a decrease in the overall performance and longevity of the battery, as unstable interfaces can trigger unwanted chemical reactions that form a resistive layer and degrade the electrolyte material. Micro- and nanoscale process control of semiconductor fabrication technology optimizes the interface between the electrode and the SSE to improve the cycle stability and long-term performance of the battery.

03.Safety hazards of reacting with lithium metal

Sulfide SSE is commonly used as an anode for SSB, however, their high reactivity with lithium metal is a potential safety hazard. This reaction can trigger the formation of dendrites, which are needle-like structures that pass through the growth of the electrolyte, which can lead to short circuits in the battery, posing a significant safety risk. In practice, measures such as interface engineering or electrolyte optimization must be taken to reduce the risk of reaction with lithium metal and ensure the stability and reliability of the battery.

2. Solve the problem of solid electrolytes

01.Material Innovation & Design

Advances in semiconductor manufacturing technology have provided a broad scope for innovation in solid-state electrolyte materials. Through micro- and nano-scale process control, the crystal structure of the solid-state electrolyte can be precisely controlled, its ion conduction channels can be improved, and the overall battery performance can be improved。The synthesis and design of materials have become more controllable, thus overcoming the challenges of traditional solid-state electrolyte preparation.

02.Interface optimization and stability improvements

The interface between the solid-state electrolyte and the electrodes has always been one of the bottlenecks of solid-state batteries. The high-precision processing technology of the semiconductor process makes it possible to control the interface between the electrolyte and the electrode more finely. Through interface optimization, unnecessary chemical reactions can be reduced, a more stable battery structure can be formed, and the cycle life and safety of the battery can be improved.

03.Reduction in preparation costs

Semiconductor manufacturing technology has a natural advantage in terms of mass production. PassedThe introduction of automation and mass production processes can effectively reduce the preparation cost of solid-state electrolytes, making solid-state batteries more potential for commercial applications. This advantage will propel solid-state electrolyte technology from the lab to the market.

Third, a better battery future

As a representative of the next generation of battery technology, the future development of solid-state batteries will benefit from the continuous innovation of semiconductor manufacturing technology. With the advancement of semiconductor technology, solid-state batteries are expected to usher in an era of higher energy density, longer life, and more safety and reliability.

01.High energy density

The micro- and nano-scale manufacturing capabilities of semiconductor technology enable more precise design of the internal structure of the battery. By increasing the compactness of the battery's internal components, higher energy density can be achieved, allowing solid-state batteries to store more energy in the same volume, providing longer-lasting power support for electric vehicles, portable devices, etc.

03.Long cycle life

The long cycle life of solid-state batteries has been a key goal of research. The application of semiconductor process makes the match between the electrolyte and the electrode more perfect, reducing the loss of the battery during the cycle of charging and discharging. This will revolutionize battery lifespan, reduce the frequency of battery replacement, and reduce overall energy storage costs.

03.Improved security

Precise control of semiconductor processes also helps improve the safety of solid-state batteries. By optimizing the material structure and internal design of the battery, the probability of safety problems such as overheating and short circuit of the battery can be effectively reduced, so that the solid-state battery can perform better in more severe use environments.

It is believed that with the continuous improvement and upgrading of semiconductor manufacturing technology, the development of solid-state batteries will have a qualitative leap. In the coming time, the team will invest more energy and resources into solid-state batteries, and is committed to making differentiated products for global energy storage users.

Figure |Originated from the Internet, invaded and deleted.

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