Table 1.
Ionic conductivities (σ) of some representative liquid and solid electrolytes. Adapted with permission from refs. [
47,
48], Copyright 2018 and 2022, Elsevier.
The range of cell designs enabling these electrolytes is as varied as the materials themselves. Consequently, an extensive array of SSLBs is being concurrently developed in both academic and industrial research settings. The different types of SSEs are categorized as follows:
Each type of SSE is further elaborated upon in the respective sections, providing an in-depth understanding of their unique properties and applications.
2.3. Polymer Electrolytes
Polymer solid electrolytes (PE) serve as a transitional technology, bridging the gap between liquid electrolytes and solid-state alternatives. These polymers are composed of repeating units, or monomers, forming extensive molecular chains. Each polymer-based solid electrolyte is characterized by a polymer framework that encapsulates dissolved lithium salts, with the electrochemical behavior governed by the polymeric chain, facilitating Li
+ ion movement within the solid structure. PEs closely resemble liquid electrolytes in their semi-crystalline or completely amorphous nature at room temperature, making them suitable for battery applications [
104].
PEs are comprised of three primary components: an organic polymer matrix, lithium salt, and various additives, including inorganic functional materials. The matrix plays a crucial role in maintaining the structural and mechanical integrity of the electrolyte system [
105]. Essential attributes of the polymer matrix include mechanical robustness, ionic conductivity, and stability both thermally and chemically, alongside its ability to dissolve lithium salts [
106,
107,
108]. Choosing the appropriate polymer for the matrix is vital due to the varying mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of different polymers. Common polymers used include polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polyethyleneimine (PEI) [
106]. In PEO-based electrolytes, the preferred lithium salt is LiN(CF
3SO
2)
2, also known as LiTFSI. This salt is favored for its effectiveness in reducing the crystallinity of PEO, thereby enhancing the ionic conductivity within the polymer-salt matrix [
109]. Important characteristics for lithium salts include low lattice energy to facilitate ion pair separation, along with chemical and thermal stability, and cost-effectiveness. Certain novel lithium salts have shown conductivity greater than 1 mS cm
−1 when combined with PEO at ambient temperature [
110,
111].
Additives in PEs are utilized to enhance mechanical properties or to inhibit the crystallization of the polymer-salt matrix, particularly at lower temperatures, thus promoting greater ionic conductivity. For instance, nanofillers are advantageous in increasing salt dissociation, minimizing anion movement [
112], and enhancing interface stability with the lithium anode. Active nanofillers like γ-LiAlO
2 aid in lithium-ion conduction, while passive fillers such as Al
2O
3, SiO
2, or carbon particles have diverse roles [
113,
114].
Ionic liquids, molten salts with a melting point below 100 °C such as PyrxTFSI [
115], show promise in enhancing ionic conductivity, mechanical, and thermal stability in polymer-salt complexes. Although their high cost poses a challenge for widespread use, these liquids contribute significantly to the stability of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on electrodes, thus reducing gas generation and interface area. While further optimization to reduce interfacial resistance is required, ionic liquids are considered a promising direction for significant improvements in the performance of polymer electrolytes in the medium term.
Efforts to improve the relatively low ionic conductivity of polyethylene at room temperature have been extensive. Research has focused on methods like diminishing polymer crystallization by adding inorganic fillers.
Figure 5 [
116] offers a concise overview of the evolution of polymer electrolytes. Poly(ethylene oxide) [
107] has been the most studied polymer in this context, due to its ability to coordinate its multiple oxygen atoms with Li-ions, effectively facilitating ion conduction within the matrix. Ion transport primarily occurs in PEO
’s amorphous regions via the polymer chains. These chains are crucial for both ion conductivity and the mechanical properties of the material. It has been observed that adjusting the proportion of two different liquid crystalline monomers, each with varying methylene chains linked to a rigid core and terminal acrylate groups, can significantly enhance PEO
’s electrochemical properties [
117]. This adjustment creates efficient ion transport channels in the porous polymer network, improving both the structural integrity and ion conductivity.
However, PEO
’s high crystallinity at room temperature impedes polymer segmental motion and Li-ion movement, leading to relatively low conductivity (approximately 10
−8 to 10
−5 S cm
−1 at room temperature) [
118]. Additionally, the mechanical weakness of PE in its solid state is insufficient to physically block the hazardous penetration of lithium dendrites at elevated temperatures or high current densities, a crucial aspect for industrial or commercial applications. To overcome these challenges, additives are employed to boost ionic conductivity and polymeric design strategies have been explored [
119] to enhance mechanical strength (see
Figure 6).
In summary, polymeric materials offer several advantageous features, including low flammability, ease of processing, and electrochemical stability. They provide better mechanical resilience to electrode deformation compared to liquid alternatives and allow for more flexible interfacial contact with electrodes than other solid-state options. Despite these benefits, important areas for improvement remain, such as increasing Li-ion conductivity (enhancing Li-ion transport number) to counteract polarization caused by anion migration and bolstering mechanical strength to prevent lithium metal dendrite formation.
2.4. Composite Electrolytes
Ceramic fast-ion conductors are known for their high ionic conductivities, which exceed 10
−4 S cm
−1 [
88,
120]. However, they face significant challenges in processing and exhibit poor chemical and mechanical properties at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. These limitations pose a considerable constraint on their practical application in battery technology. In contrast, polymer electrolytes are advantageous due to their flexibility and ease of processing. Nonetheless, they are limited by low ionic conductivities at room temperature, generally falling within the range of 10
−6 to 10
−7 S cm
−1 [
121]. This low conductivity substantially affects their utility in battery applications.
The combination of these two elements — ceramic fast-ion conductors and polymer electrolytes — into what is termed composite electrolytes (CEs), represents a promising approach that aims to capitalize on the synergistic benefits of both components, effectively overcoming their individual drawbacks [
122]. By selecting the right ceramic filler and polymer, CEs can be customized to improve their overall performance in solid-state batteries [
122].
CEs can be broadly categorized into two primary types [
123]: a) those composed of inorganic nanoparticle/polymer combinations (INPC), and b) those made up of inorganic nanofiber/polymer structures (INFPC). In the realm of INPC solid electrolytes, the incorporation of inorganic nanofillers like SiO
2, Al
2O
3 and TiO
2 into polymer matrices has been a focal point of research [
124]. The rationale behind this approach lies in the enhancement of mechanical strength, ionic conductivity, and interfacial stability in the resulting polymer solid electrolytes [
125]. A critical element in these composites is the role of the particle size of the inorganic fillers in influencing the electrolyte
’s ionic conductivity. It has been observed that smaller particles are more beneficial, acting as solid plasticizers at the nanoscale [
126]. This role plays a crucial part in preventing the crystallization of the polymer matrices, thereby facilitating improved ionic transport within the composite. Moreover, the surface area of these nanoparticles, dependent on their size and quantity, is clearly related to the interfacial conductivity of the composites. Thus, the proportion of nanoparticles to polymer is a key factor in adjusting the ionic conductivity of these composite electrolytes. In this context, a notable example of INPC research is exemplified by the study conducted by Wang
et al. [
127]. This study was designed to assess the impact of different nanoparticle types on the ionic conductivity of polyethylene oxide/lithium perchlorate (PEO/LiClO
4) based composite solid electrolytes. The nanoparticles evaluated included Li
1.3Al
0.3Ti
1.7(PO
4)
3 (LATP) as an active filler, and titanium dioxide (TiO
2) and silica nanoparticles as passive fillers. The findings from this research indicated a superior cation transport in composites containing LATP compared to those with passive fillers like TiO
2 or silica. Notably, in certain scenarios, such as the composite formulated with 10 wt.% LATP nanoparticles, the ionic conductivity achieved was remarkable, reaching 1.7 x 10
−4 S cm
−1. This study underscores the significant role that the type of nanoparticle filler can play in enhancing the ionic conductivity of composite solid electrolytes.
Although there has been progress in developing INPC electrolytes, their ionic conductivities are not high enough for advanced lithium batteries that require high energy and power. A major problem with these composites is that Li
+ ions have to move through many particle junctions, which slows down their movement. In response to this challenge, a second type of composite electrolyte has emerged, known as inorganic nanofiber/polymer composite (INFPC), which uses nanofibers instead of nanoparticles. By incorporating a continuous network of inorganic nanofibers into the polymer matrix, the number of junctions is significantly reduced, leading to smoother and uninterrupted pathways for ionic transport. This not only provides steady channels for Li
+ ions but also prevents the polymer from crystallizing, improving the breakdown of lithium salts and enhancing ion movement within the composite. Liu
et al. [
128] successfully incorporated electrospun lithium lanthanum titanate (Li
0.33La
0.557TiO
3 or LLTO) nanowires into a polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-LiClO
4 polymer composite. These evenly spread LLTO nanowires created a three-dimensional network for ion conduction within the polymer, greatly increasing ionic conductivity, which was mainly due to the quick movement of ions along the surfaces of these ceramic nanowires. Similarly, Fu
et al. [
129] created a composite with garnet-type Li
6.4La
3Zr
2Al
0.2O
12 (LLZO) nanofibers and PEO. These LLZO nanofibers, recognized for their high ionic conductivity and stability, were merged into the PEO matrix, forming a continuous network for lithium-ion conduction, and demonstrating high ionic conductivity.
2.5. Hybrid Solid Electrolyte-Liquid Electrolyte
In solid-state batteries, SEs are confronted with significant challenges, notably their relatively low ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures [
130]. This impediment hampers efficient ion transport, undermining the overall performance of the battery. Compounding this issue, SEs often struggle to maintain robust interfacial contact with electrodes [
131]. This inadequate contact can lead to increased resistance, negatively impacting battery efficiency. The interface between SEs and electrodes is critical; poor interfacial compatibility can result in uneven current flow and localized material degradation [
131]. Additional concerns include dendrite formation, mechanical instabilities, and chemical reactivity at the electrolyte-electrode interface [
132]. Addressing these challenges, the concept of hybrid solid–liquid electrolyte (SLE) systems emerges as a promising solution. These systems blend the high ionic conductivity of liquid electrolytes (LEs) with the structural integrity and safety offered by SEs. The goal is to create a synergistic effect: the liquid component mitigates interfacial resistance, enhancing ion transport, while the solid matrix contributes to overall stability and safety [
133]. This innovative approach is anticipated to curb the issues of dendrite formation and mechanical stability, which are prevalent in conventional electrolytes. In general, the advantages offered by these hybrid SLE systems are multifaceted. Incorporating a liquid component within the solid electrolyte matrix leads to enhanced ionic conductivity, particularly beneficial at lower temperatures, thus optimizing the battery
’s performance [
133]. Furthermore, this hybridization fosters more efficient interfacial contact with the electrodes, ensuring a more consistent current distribution and minimizing the risk of localized degradation. The mechanical robustness of these systems also surpasses that of pure liquid electrolytes, significantly reducing the risks associated with leakage and flammability [
133]. By amalgamating the benefits of both solid and liquid electrolytes, hybrid SLE systems stand out as a highly promising avenue for advancing the development of safer and more effective solid-state batteries. In this regard, the study by Vivek
et al. [
134] focused on how water content and other additives affect the formation and resistance of solid-liquid electrolyte interfaces (SLEIs) in Ohara Li
2O–Al
2O
3–TiO
2–P
2O
5 (LATP) glass solid electrolytes and different lithium liquid electrolytes. They found that adding water to the liquid electrolytes can significantly lower the resistance to ion conduction at the solid/liquid interface [
134]. The analysis revealed that SLEIs are composed of a mix of inorganic and organic compounds, similar to those in solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs). The research suggests potential benefits of using solvent additives in hybrid electrolyte systems to reduce resistance, although the exact mechanisms behind this effect are not yet fully understood [
134]. In other study by Gupta
et al. [
135] the role of additives and lithium salts in liquid electrolytes was analyzed using Ta-doped Li
7-La
3Zr
2O
12 garnet oxide (LLZTO) and acetonitrile as a solvent. The study focused on lithium salts like LiTFSI, LiBOB, and LiPF
6, exposing LLZTO to these salt solutions and monitoring the impedance. It was found that all systems displayed increasing interfacial resistance over time, with significant variations among different salt systems [
135]. Further analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated chemical reactions between LLZTO and the salts, influencing the solid-liquid electrolyte interface (SLEI) formation. The study concluded that the formation of SLEI is predominantly driven by the lithium salts in the LE rather than the solvent [
135]. Hatz
et al. [
136] investigated the stability of the sulfide superionic conductor tetra-Li
7SiPS
8 (LiSiPS) against a range of solvents, spanning from protic polar to aprotic nonpolar types. They found that while LiSiPS remains stable in aprotic solvents, it decomposes into oxygen-substituted thiophosphates in water and into oxygen-substituted thioethers in alcohols [
136]. The study also revealed that LiSiPS maintained high ionic conductivity in solvents such as p-xylene, anisole, and acetonitrile. Additionally, LiSiPS was shown to be capable of tolerate up to 800 ppm of residual water in solvents, with anisole used to demonstrate this resilience.
In summary, hybrid solid–liquid electrolytes offer a promising approach to addressing the issues of interfacial and cell resistance that have limited the effectiveness of solid electrolytes in supplanting traditional liquid ones. While these hybrid systems hold potential for use in future energy storage devices, several obstacles still need to be overcome to fully realize their applicability. Continued research and development could significantly enhance their viability as a practical solution.
2.6. Progress, Challenges and Prospects in Solid Electrolytes
The field of solid electrolytes has seen significant strides due to innovations in materials and fabrication methods. Researchers have been exploring a variety of new materials, including ceramics, polymers, and composites, for their potential in solid-state batteries. These materials offer advantages like better stability and safety compared to traditional liquid electrolytes. Advances in fabrication methods have also been pivotal. Techniques such as thin-film deposition, sintering, and advanced lithography have enabled the production of solid electrolytes with improved structural integrity and enhanced electrochemical properties. Particularly, within the realm of oxide and sulfide electrolytes, it is only the oxide class that provides comparatively broad electrochemical stability windows, facilitating their use with high-voltage cathodes to achieve batteries with enhanced power and energy densities [
137]. Nonetheless, oxide-based solid electrolytes encounter a trio of significant obstacles: their inherent brittleness and suboptimal mechanical characteristics, a constrained compatibility with prevailing cathode chemistries, and a tendency to have greater densities than other electrolyte categories, impacting the net gravimetric energy density adversely. Notably, these solid electrolytes need to be fabricated as slender ion-conducting layers and as ceramic separators for electrodes in SSBs [
137]. Nevertheless, the method of thin-film growth presents serious challenges in SSBs. Planar thin-film batteries (TFBs) are significantly constrained in terms of total capacity due to the relatively limited electrode volume available for energy storage [
138]. This limitation arises from the impracticality of utilizing thicker electrode films to increase capacity because of kinetic constraints. In contrast, traditional battery designs allow for an increase in electrode volume and, correspondingly, in capacity by enhancing the overall thickness of the slurry-coated particle composite layer [
138]. This enhancement leads to an increase in the active material
’s “mass-loading”. In such designs, the electrolyte solution infiltrates the porous composite electrode layer, while an electronic additive, like carbon black, ensures electronic connectivity throughout the electrode [
138]. To enhance the storage capacity of TFBs without making the electrode films thicker, it is possible to carry out the deposition of the battery components onto a specially structured substrate, thereby expanding the surface area available for energy storage [
138]. The design of 3D TFBs hinges on two key factors: the area enhancement factor (AEF), which is the ratio of the 3D structure
’s effective surface area to its footprint area, and the open volume of the 3D substrate, which is the space available for the battery stack. A higher AEF means more capacity per unit of footprint, but there
’s a trade-off with open volume, as larger open volume could reduce AEF [
138]. This concept is clarified in the diagram shown in
Figure 7.
Advances in thin-film techniques have been significant in recent years. Thus, in contrast to the complexity of 3D TFB systems, Sahal
et al. [
139] had recently investigated the development of a novel SSE using a perovskite-structured material: polycrystalline lithium lanthanum titanate, Li
0.3La
0.56TiO
3, (LLTO). This development aimed to address the common limitations in current SSEs, especially in terms of energy density and processability. LLTO was synthesized through a rapid, high-throughput, open-air process, completed in just one minute [
139]. The resulting material consisted of polycrystalline LLTO, with selectively retained crystalline precursor phases, and exceptional mechanical properties, such as flexibility and high fracture toughness. These characteristics were attributed to the enhancement of grain boundaries and a reduction in crystallinity, resulting from the ultrafast processing method [
139].
Other advanced solid-state electrolyte (SSE) manufacturing procedures, such as sintering, have been extensively studied in recent years. In this regard, Li
et al. [
140] explored the development of a NASICON-type Na
3Zr
2Si
2PO
12 (NZSP) ceramic electrolyte utilizing NaBr-assisted sintering. This process improved the electrolyte
’s ionic conductivity and its compatibility with the anode, demonstrating the effectiveness of the NaBr sintering aid in lowering sintering temperatures and achieving a denser NZSP structure, leading to enhanced electrical performance and mechanical strength [
140]. In another study, Lin et al. [
141] developed a cleaning method and a low-temperature sintering process that allowed for the synthesis of Li
0.33La
0.55TiO
3 (LLTO) with good ionic conductivity and phase stability. Generally, the common element across sintering methods for SSE fabrication is the utilization of high temperatures. However, despite the existence of procedures that significantly lower the treatment temperature [
140,
141], there is a pressing need to aim for more ambitious goals involving substantially lower treatment temperatures [
78]. Alternatively, methods that curtail lengthy processing times are required, as extended processing can lead to severe Li loss and the formation of secondary phases that modify the overall behavior of the material, impacting its porosity and ionic conductivity. In this regard, Ramos et al. [
142] developed an innovative ultrafast sintering method using a CO
2 laser in combination with a heating stage. This technique proved effective in rapidly densifying Li
6.4La
3Zr
1.4Ta
0.6O
12 (LLZTO) films, which are typically challenging to densify with conventional furnace sintering methods. The approach was characterized by several notable aspects, including a significant reduction in lithium loss due to the rapid sintering process, anisotropic shrinkage behavior that considerably reduced film thickness, and a wave-like surface topology that enabled 3D interfacial contacts with electrode materials. The LLZTO films produced through this new procedure exhibited high density (>95%) and high conductivity (0.26 mS·cm
−1 at 25 °C), making this synthesis method highly promising for future developments in SSBs.
In addition to the already described solid-state electrolyte (SSE) synthesis procedures, nanolithography has emerged as an interesting option that has been extensively developed in recent years. Stereolithography (SLA) uses a laser to cure photosensitive resins layer by layer, producing parts with very high resolution [
143]. However, the choice of materials is limited to those that can be photo-crosslinked. This technique has enabled the synthesis of some SSEs, particularly solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs), and composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) [
144,
145,
146]. Another procedure similar to SLA is digital light processing (DLP) [
147], which uses a digital light projector to cure photosensitive resins. DLP can print faster than SLA as it cures an entire layer at once, making it suitable for scalable production. However, like SLA, it is limited to photopolymerizable materials. SLA and DLP methods allow for the creation of microstructures that can enhance the performance of solid electrolytes, such as by creating shorter lithium-ion transport paths or improving the interfacial contact between the electrolyte and the electrodes [
143]. Regardless of their complexity, these techniques could potentially become a means of custom SSE fabrication for highly specific applications in the future.
In light of the diverse synthesis strategies for solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) discussed earlier, we recognize a broad spectrum of approaches, each offering unique benefits and facing distinct challenges. Some of these processes, however, confront specific hurdles such as effectively manufacturing SSEs sensitive to air and moisture, achieving high-resolution in the manufacturing process, and tackling various post-treatment complications. These challenges underscore the complexity and precision required in the field of SSE manufacturing. Moreover, it is important to note that while these advanced techniques present novel opportunities, they also bring forth issues such as compatibility with existing materials and scalability for industrial applications. This suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be feasible, and a more tailored strategy might be necessary for different types of SSEs. Given these considerations, a potentially promising direction could be the integration of these modern synthesis techniques with more traditional methods. Such a hybrid approach might combine the strengths of both advanced and conventional practices, potentially leading to more robust, efficient, and versatile manufacturing processes. This integration could enable the utilization of the precision and customization offered by newer methods while leveraging the established reliability and scalability of traditional manufacturing processes. As a preliminary reflection, this integration not only seems desirable but might also be essential in advancing the field of SSE manufacturing towards more practical and wide-ranging applications.
In addition to experimental techniques for preparing SSEs, it is essential to emphasize the importance of complementary tools to purely experimental approaches, such as simulation techniques [
148]. In this regard, computational chemistry stands as a pivotal tool in the realm of material science, particularly in the advancement and development of new materials for use as solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) [
149]. This field has seen a variety of SSEs, encompassing polymers, oxides, sulfides, and halides. Among these, sulfide-based SSEs are distinguished for their markedly higher ionic conductivities in comparison to alternatives like organic polymers, oxides, and halides, positioning them as particularly promising candidates for next-generation battery technologies [
150]. The role of computational chemistry extends beyond mere identification and classification of materials. It plays a critical role in the study and simulation of the dynamical properties of these electrolytes, which is essential for understanding and optimizing their performance [
151,
152]. This involves a detailed statistical analysis of ion diffusion events within these materials. By quantifying key parameters such as ionic diffusivity, ionic conductivity, and the activation energy barriers, computational studies provide deep insights into the fundamental mechanisms that govern the behavior of SSEs. Moreover, these computational approaches enable researchers to model and predict the performance of these materials under various conditions, thus aiding in the design of more efficient and effective electrolytes. This theoretical understanding is instrumental in guiding experimental efforts, helping to streamline the process of material development and optimization. Furthermore, computational chemistry facilitates the exploration of the interactions between different components of solid-state batteries, such as the interface between the SSE and the electrodes. Understanding these interactions is crucial for improving the overall stability and efficiency of the batteries. In summary, computational chemistry is not just a tool for material discovery but is integral to the comprehensive understanding and refinement of SSEs. Its applications span from the atomic-level analysis of material properties to the practical considerations of battery design and performance, making it an indispensable component of modern material science research in the field of energy storage.