Energy storage technology is evolving rapidly, with all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) emerging as a groundbreaking alternative to traditional liquid-based batteries. These next-generation batteries promise enhanced safety, higher energy densities, and longer lifespans. Recent breakthroughs in inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs) have positioned solid-state batteries as the future of energy storage. This blog explores the latest advancements in ASSBs and how MSE Supplies supports research and development in this field.

Advancements in Inorganic Solid Electrolytes (ISEs)

Researchers are making significant progress in developing ISEs, which serve as the core of ASSB technology. Different types of ISEs—including oxides, sulfides, hydroborates, antiperovskites, and halides—are being explored to improve battery efficiency and safety. These materials enhance ion transport while eliminating the risks associated with liquid electrolytes, such as leakage and thermal instability.

A key area of research focuses on optimizing oxide-based electrolytes, which offer excellent stability but face limitations in ionic conductivity. Conversely, sulfide-based electrolytes provide high ionic conductivity but are highly moisture-sensitive. Recent studies have explored ways to mitigate these issues through surface treatments, composite electrolytes, and innovative synthesis methods.

Another breakthrough involves hydroborates and antiperovskites, which combine high stability with suitable ionic conductivity. These materials are gaining interest for their potential to bridge the gap between oxides and sulfides, making them viable candidates for next-generation solid-state batteries.

Overcoming Challenges in ASSB Development

Despite their potential, ASSBs still face challenges that hinder commercialization. Interfacial stability, ion transport efficiency, and electrode compatibility remain critical concerns. Researchers are addressing these issues through innovations such as:

• Composite Cathodes – Combining different materials to improve structural integrity and ionic conductivity.

• Solid Interface Layers – Using interfacial engineering techniques to enhance compatibility between electrodes and electrolytes.

• Advanced Battery Modeling – Simulating ion transport and reaction mechanisms to optimize battery performance.

In addition, dendrite formation is a significant issue in lithium-based ASSBs. Researchers are developing protective coatings and modifying electrolyte compositions to suppress dendrite growth and enhance battery lifespan.

Future Directions and Emerging Approaches

The future of ASSBs lies in further material innovation, interface engineering, and enhanced structural designs. According to recent research, several approaches are expected to improve ASSB performance:

1. Multiphase ISEs in ASSBs – Integrating multiple ISE types within different battery components, such as catholytes, electrolytes, and interface layers, to optimize performance and stability. Researchers have identified 64 potential ISE combinations that need further exploration.

2. Hybrid Inorganic Solid Electrolytes – Investigating the effect of stacking different ISE layers or mixing them into homogenous compositions to achieve better ionic conductivity and interfacial compatibility.

3. Encapsulated Electrolytes for Stability – Coating solid electrolytes like sulfides and antiperovskites with encapsulants that dissolve after battery assembly, improving interaction between electrolyte particles while preventing side reactions and moisture degradation.

4. Interface Layer Thickness Optimization—Controlling the thickness of interface layers to balance performance, cost, and side reaction suppression is crucial for improving high-energy-density thin-film solid-state batteries.

5. Lock-and-Key Surface Texturing – Inspired by enzyme-substrate interactions, solid electrolyte and electrode surfaces are designed to interlock at a microscopic level, enhancing contact and ion transport efficiency.

6. ISE Derivative Compounds – Developing new solid electrolyte materials by modifying the atomic structure of existing ISE classes using computational modeling and material screening techniques.

7. Hybrid ISEs vs. Electrolyte Additives—This study explores whether blending ISEs or using electrolyte additives (e.g., oxides, nitrides, and carbides) is the better approach for improving conductivity, stability, and mechanical properties.

These advancements, with applications ranging from electric vehicles to grid energy storage, have the potential to revolutionize the way energy is stored and utilized.

MSE Supplies: Supporting Solid-State Battery Research & Manufacturing

MSE Supplies provides high-quality products tailored for solid-state battery research and production. These include:

• Anode and Cathode Materials – A diverse range of materials optimized for solid-state battery applications.

• Solid Electrolyte Materials – High-purity sulfides, oxides, halides, and other solid electrolyte options.

• Battery Material Analysis – Testing systems that analyze powder compaction density and resistivity. 

• Battery Testing Systems – Battery module testers, environmental chambers and potentiostats are used for performance evaluation.

• Coating Equipment & Sputtering Targets – Thin-film deposition systems and high-purity sputtering targets for electrode and electrolyte layer fabrication.

Additionally, MSE Supplies offers essential laboratory and manufacturing support equipment, including glove boxes, planetary mills and jars, roller mills and jars, pellet pressing dies and press, laboratory ovens, furnaces and more. These tools are crucial for material synthesis, handling, and processing in solid-state battery development.

Solid-state batteries are paving the way for the next era of energy storage, with advancements in inorganic solid electrolytes driving the field forward. While challenges remain, ongoing research and technological innovation are rapidly pushing these batteries toward commercialization. MSE Supplies is committed to supporting researchers and manufacturers with high-quality materials, testing systems, and equipment necessary for developing the future of battery technology.

Explore MSE Supplies' extensive selection of solid-state battery materials and equipment to support your research and development efforts. Visit our product catalog or contact us for expert recommendations.

Reference:

1. Paving the Way for the Future of Energy Storage with Solid-State Batteries. (n.d.). AIMR. Retrieved April 2, 2025, from https://www.wpi-aimr.tohoku.ac.jp/en/achievements/press/2024/20241220_001898.html

2. Muzakir, M., Manickavasakam, K., Cheng, E. J., Yang, F., Wang, Z., Li, H., Zhang, X., & Qin, J. (2024). Inorganic solid electrolytes for all-solid-state sodium/lithium-ion batteries: recent development and applications. Journal of Materials Chemistry A. https://doi.org/10.1039/d4ta06117a