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Solid state batteries

Solid-state batteries are emerging as a next generation storage solution that is safer, fast charging and longer lasting than current battery counterparts.

And backed with 20 years of ionic materials research and experience in working closely with leading companies, the Battery Research and Innovation Hub is poised to bring this next generation battery technology to the commercial world.

As the electric vehicle market grows, so too does the need for electric vehicle batteries that are safer, fast charging and longer lasting.

Solid-state batteries are one class of next-generation batteries that are showing huge potential to address these needs by offering a drastic change to the battery components that are used in current technology.

As opposed to the liquid electrolytes used in more common battery types, solid-state batteries use thermally stable solid electrolytes as ion conductors. Solid electrolytes, such as solid polymer electrolytes (PILBLOCs), are non-flammable, non-fluid and therefore a low risk of catching and spreading fire – offering a much safer energy-storage option than lithium-ion batteries in which flammable liquid electrolytes are being used.

And although researchers have reported the small-scale demonstration of solid-state batteries – for example using coin cells – the fabrication of large-scale solid-state batteries with practical performance has proven challenging.

However, at the world-class Battery Research and Innovation Hub our unique capabilities to complete materials research for solid-state batteries from proof of concept to pilot-scale production, puts us in good stead to deliver this next generation battery technology to market.

Our researchers can synthesise and characterise of ionic materials, integrate ionic materials into batteries, evaluate battery performance and failure, and design the scale-up of battery manufacturing processes.

Our world-class research group has over 20 years of experience in the study of ionic materials and a proven track record of industry collaborations in the battery field – making the Battery Research and Innovation Hub well placed to help bring solid-state batteries to the commercial market.

At a glance: Solid state batteries

Solid electrolytes studied for solid state batteries include solid polymer electrolytes, oxide solid electrolytes, sulphide solid electrolytes, and their composites.

Benefits: Solid-state batteries can be operated at a wide range of temperatures, especially at high temperatures that lithium-ion batteries cannot tolerate. Some solid electrolytes that can transfer ions at a faster rate than conventional liquid electrolytes.

Applications: Electric vehicles, energy-storage systems, consumer electronics such as laptops and smartphones, niche applications such as batteries that can be operated at high temperatures, i.e. 60–200 °C, aerospace.

Latest news

Tour and showcase of the Battery Research and Innovation Hub

At a showcase event, Deakin’s Vice-Chancellor, industry and research partners, and local government representatives took a tour of the new $10.3 million Battery Research and Innovation Hub in Burwood. The facility extends Deakin’s battery research, manufacturing and testing capabilities, enabling our researchers to lead the way in building Australia’s sovereign battery manufacturing capability. The event

Deakin opens world-class battery research and innovation hub

MEDIA RELEASE Deakin University today launched a $10.3 million world-class facility for advanced battery design, fabrication and testing, located in Burwood. The Battery Research and Innovation Hub will enable the delivery of next-generation solid-state lithium-ion cells, as well as alternative and upcoming technologies such as sodium batteries. The new purpose-built facility, featuring a pilot production

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MEDIA RELEASE A breakthrough from Deakin University researchers could help address a major obstacle in the development of environmentally-friendly, cost effective, polymer-based batteries. The team from Deakin’s Institute for Frontier Materials (IFM) used computer modelling and simulations to design a new type of solid-state polymer electrolyte, showing its potential use in various types of polymer-based solid-state

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