Researchers at TUM and TUMint.Energy Research Develop New Lithium-Ion Conductor for Solid-State Batteries.

Researchers at TUM and TUMint.Energy Research have developed a new material for solid-state batteries that conducts lithium ions more than 30% faster than any previously known material. The material, made of lithium, antimony, and scandium, has specific gaps in its crystal lattice that help lithium ions move more easily and faster. The team has filed a patent for the development and believes it could have broader implications for enhancing conductivity in other materials.

Researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and TUMint.Energy Research have made a significant breakthrough in solid-state battery technology. They have developed a new material that conducts lithium ions more than 30% faster than any previously known material. The material, a combination of lithium, antimony, and scandium, features specific gaps in its crystal lattice that facilitate the faster movement of lithium ions.

The team, led by Prof. Thomas F. Fässler from the Chair of Inorganic Chemistry with a Focus on Novel Materials, replaced lithium in a lithium antimonide compound with the metal scandium. This modification creates vacancies in the crystal lattice, which help lithium ions move more easily and faster. The result is a new world record for ion conductivity [1].

The researchers collaborated with the Chair of Technical Electrochemistry under Prof. Hubert Gasteiger at TUM to confirm the result. Tobias Kutsch, who conducted the validation tests, commented on the challenges posed by the material's dual conductivity properties: "The material also conducts electricity, which presented a special challenge, and we had to adapt our measurement methods accordingly."

Prof. Fässler sees great potential in the new material: "Our result currently represents a significant advance in basic research. By incorporating small amounts of scandium, we have uncovered a new principle that could prove to be a blueprint for other elemental combinations." The material's thermal stability and compatibility with established chemical production methods further enhance its practical applications [1].

The research team has already filed a patent for their development, which could have broader implications for enhancing conductivity in various materials. Jingwen Jiang, a scientist at TUMint.Energy Research, emphasizes that the same concept can be applied to lithium-phosphorus systems, potentially leading to new discoveries in conductivity enhancement [1].

In parallel, researchers at Penn State are also making strides in solid-state battery technology. They have developed a cold sintering technique to produce solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) with high ionic conductivity at room temperature. This method involves heating powdered materials, treating them with a liquid solvent, and compressing them into a denser form, all at significantly lower temperatures than traditional sintering methods. The technique allows for the integration of different materials into a highly dense form, supporting the development of more stable and efficient batteries [2].

Solidion Technology, Inc. has also announced the granting of a suite of patents related to solid-state batteries. These patents hold the potential to revolutionize the lithium-ion battery industry by offering safer and more efficient energy storage solutions [3].

These advancements in solid-state battery technology are poised to address the challenges associated with traditional lithium-ion batteries, such as fire hazards and limited energy density. As researchers continue to refine and optimize these materials, investors and financial professionals can expect to see significant progress in the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.

References:
[1] https://www.tum.de/en/news-and-events/all-news/press-releases/details/world-record-for-lithium-ion-conductors
[2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250502182514.htm
[3] https://www.chemanalyst.com/NewsAndDeals/NewsDetails/solidion-patents-breakthrough-technology-poised-to-revolutionize-the-lithium-ion-36487