At the recent 2024 World Power Battery Conference, a notable speech by Ouyang Minggao, a respected member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a professor at Tsinghua University, has drawn significant attention, particularly regarding the development and commercialization of solid-state batteriesHe emphasized a gradual approach to this technology, underscoring that rushing into it would likely yield merely a prototype rather than viable products ready for the market.

Solid-state batteries represent a significant evolution in battery technology, characterized by the absence of any liquid components, relying instead entirely on solid electrodes and solid electrolytesThis innovation emerges at a critical juncture, as the electric vehicle (EV) market experiences rapid growthAs the demand for higher safety and efficiency increases, traditional liquid lithium batteries, which are close to their energy density limits and pose risks of thermal runaway due to the organic electrolytes used, fall short of expectations.

In contrast, solid-state batteries offer a plethora of advantages, including enhanced safety, greater energy density, improved power characteristics, better temperature adaptability, and a diverse range of materials utilization

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These factors position solid-state batteries as a strategic priority for nations such as China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and member states of the European UnionConsequently, automotive manufacturers and battery producers are vigorously entering the solid-state battery market, all vying for a competitive edge in this area.

This year alone, over ten companies in China have announced timelines for the production of solid-state batteriesHowever, a closer examination reveals that many of these offerings are not entirely "solid-state" in the purest senseFor instance, the battery unveiled by SAIC's Zhiji, dubbed the "Light Year Solid-State Battery," incorporates a liquid wetting agent making it a semi-solid-state battery insteadSuch terminological nuances underscore a more profound challenge: the distinction between "full" and "semi" solid batteries is more than just a technical detail; it highlights the commercialization hurdles in achieving true solid-state technology.

Currently, the global research landscape for solid-state batteries encompasses various technical avenues, including polymers, oxides, sulfides, and halides

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Despite this diversity, none of these pathways has reached complete maturity, and most remain in the research and development phase, grappling with significant challenges in materials, interfaces, and cell configurationsFor example, sulfide electrolytes struggle with chemical and air stability, complicating mass production, while silicon-carbon anodes experience substantial volume expansion, and lithium anodes are still not fully developed.

Furthermore, the interface between electrode materials and solid electrolytes presents additional difficultiesPoor physical contact can lead to substantial interfacial resistance once the battery is assembledAs electrochemical reactions progress, sustaining stability at the contact interface between solid electrolytes and electrodes becomes critical; otherwise, it could result in persistent side reactions detrimental to battery performance, including rate capability and cycle stability

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The complexities inherent in this technology have been metaphorically compared to the differences in swimming through sand versus water: one is significantly more challenging than the other, indicating the uphill battle solid-state batteries face in achieving analogous efficiency to liquid batteries.

While technical hurdles abound, the commercial viability of solid-state batteries will hinge not only on overcoming these scientific challenges but also on cost reduction strategiesThe raw materials necessary for solid-state electrolytes, which may include components with superior theoretical capacities, are currently much more expensive; lithium sulfide, for instance, costs five to ten times more than lithium carbonateMoreover, the production requirements for solid-state batteries demand extremely pure raw materials and precise manufacturing conditions that significantly increase production costs and complexity

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The entire supply chain for solid-state batteries remains incomplete, adding further to the financial burden.

Within the context of China's rapid shift towards electrifying its automotive sector, power batteries are often referred to as the "heart" of electric vehiclesThe innovation and cost reduction within battery technology have played pivotal roles in this transformationBy establishing a robust industrial ecosystem for liquid lithium batteries—from raw materials to recycling—China has not only broken the longstanding dominance held by Japan and South Korea in this sector but has also emerged as a global leader.

However, with the emergence of solid-state batteries representing a disruptive force and the existing patent landscape favoring Japan and South Korea, it is crucial for China to navigate this landscape with prudenceThe focus must remain on solid foundational research and advancing critical core technologies instead of engaging in mere marketing gimmicks or conceptual discussions