High-energy long-cycling solid-state battery：
key materials and fundamental understanding
High-energy solid-state batteries (SSBs) represent a promising alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries due to their superior safety and increased energy density (>400 Wh/kg). However, realizing this potential requires overcoming significant challenges rooted in the complex interplay between electrochemistry and mechanics, such as dendrite growth, electrode volume expansion, and high interfacial resistance.
Our group aims to solve these issues by combining key materials with advancing fundamental theory of solid-state electrochemistry. We focus on developing high-capacity alloy anodes (e.g., Li-In, Li-Si, Li-Ag) and ultrathin solid electrolytes. Our research clarified the critical role of mechanics at interfaces and developed a “chemomechanical pairing principle” to guide the matching of anodes and electrolytes for enhanced stability. Furthermore, we investigated electro-mechanical coupling effects, such as how stacking pressure impacts reaction homogeneity in silicon anodes. By establishing new fundamental frameworks, including nonambient thermodynamics, we aim to uncover the root causes of capacity loss and provide new design rules for the next generation of solid-state batteries.
- Zhou, J., Y. Huang, J. Zhong, N. Li, Z.T. Sun, S. Chen, X. Yu, Y. Guo, W. Yang, H. Zhu and S.H. Bo (2025). “Nonambient Thermodynamics in Solid-State Batteries.” ACS Energy Letters, 10(9): 4304-4312.
- Chen, S., Cao, Q., Tang, B., Yu, X., Zhou, Z., Bo, S.-H., and Guo, Y. (2024). “Chemomechanical Pairing of Alloy Anodes and Solid-State Electrolytes.” ACS Energy Letter, 5373–5382.
- Yu, X., S. Chen, T. Bin, X.-L. Li, J. Zhou, Y. Ren, J. Wei, C. Yang, Y. Guo, Z. Zhou, and S.-H. Bo (2024) “The Debate over Hard Carbon and Alloy Anodes Continues for Solid-State Sodium Batteries.” ACS Energy Letter 9: 4441–4449.
- Huang, Y., S. Chen, Y. Yang, Z.-T. Sun, X. Yu, C. Guan, R. Ouyang, Y. Guo, S.-H. Bo and H. Zhu (2024) “Unlocking the Potential of Li-Ag Alloys: Phase Selection and Practical Application.” Energy Material Advances 5: 0108
- Cao, Q., Z. T. Sun, K. Ye, P. Shen, K. Jiang and S. H. Bo (2024). “Stacking pressure homogenizes the electrochemical lithiation reaction of silicon anode in solid-state batteries.” Energy Storage Materials 67: 103246.
- Xiao, Y. H., Y. Wang, S. H. Bo, J. C. Kim, L. J. Miara and G. Ceder (2020). “Understanding interface stability in solid-state batteries.” Nature Reviews Materials 5(2): 105-126.