Imagine an electric car that charges in minutes, lasts twice as long, and never catches fire. That’s the promise of solid-state batteries (SSBs)—the next big thing in energy storage. But until now, one of their biggest problems has been unpredictable lithium flow, which can lead to short circuits and failures.
Thanks to neutron imaging, scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have cracked open this mystery, bringing us one step closer to better, safer, and more powerful batteries.
What’s the Big Deal About Solid-State Batteries?
You’ve probably heard of lithium-ion batteries—they power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles (EVs). But they have major drawbacks:
- They degrade over time.
- They can overheat and, in rare cases, catch fire.
- They use liquid electrolytes, which limit how much energy they can store.
Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte with a solid one, making them safer and more efficient. They could:
- Double the range of EVs.
- Charge way faster than today’s batteries.
- Virtually eliminate fire risks.
But here’s the problem: lithium doesn’t always flow smoothly inside these batteries, leading to performance issues and failures. That’s where neutron imaging comes in.
How Neutron Imaging Helps (Without the Science Jargon)
Think of neutron imaging like an X-ray for batteries. Instead of peering into bones, scientists use it to see how lithium moves inside a solid-state battery. This is a game-changer because:
- It’s non-destructive – Researchers can study batteries in action without taking them apart.
- It reveals hidden flaws – Scientists can spot lithium blockages and other issues that cause batteries to fail.
- It guides better designs – With a clearer picture of lithium movement, engineers can build stronger, longer-lasting batteries.
The Future of Batteries Just Got Brighter
Thanks to this breakthrough, battery makers can now fine-tune solid-state batteries for mass production. That means:
- EVs that go twice as far on a single charge.
- Smartphones that last days, not hours.
- Home batteries that store solar power more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
This discovery is a big step toward making solid-state batteries the gold standard for energy storage. With neutron imaging unlocking new secrets, we’re inching closer to a future where EVs are the norm, not the exception.
What’s Next?
Researchers will keep tweaking battery designs using neutron imaging insights. And who knows? The next time you buy an EV, you might be driving on battery tech that was invisible—until now.
Check out the cool NewsWade YouTube video about this article!
Article derived from: Neutrons reveal lithium flow could boost performance in solid-state battery | ORNL. (2025, January 28). ORNL. https://www.ornl.gov/news/neutrons-reveal-lithium-flow-could-boost-performance-solid-state-battery
