NASA developed a new solid-state battery: the volume is only one-third of lithium batteries

NASA recently revealed that they are working with the University of Miami to develop a new type of solid-state battery. This solid state battery is smaller than conventional Lithium Batteries and can be used on microsatellites such as the CubeSats.

It is understood that the battery prototype by NASA Kennedy Space Center Exploration Research and Technology Council lead researcher Luke Robertson and the Miami University composite materials expert Ryan Kakheon jointly developed from the battery's chemical properties and structure Research and development by Zhou Xiangyang, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Miami.

As we all know, solid-state battery is a solid electrode and solid electrolyte battery, its lower power density, higher energy density, the same amount of electricity, solid state battery smaller than the size of traditional lithium batteries. So what's special about this new solid state battery?

According to NASA's announcement, the solid-state battery is only 2 millimeters to 3 millimeters thick, making it ideal for microsatellites including CubeSats.

Robertson said the new battery takes up only one-third the space of an existing battery, saving a lot of space, which is important for a CubeSat that does not yet have a toaster. Of course, he also believes that the battery can also be used in other areas.

"This technology can be used for satellite truss structures as well as for the International Space Station, and commercial applications may include use on a car frame or desktop battery c."

The advantages of the battery not only reflected in the volume, if the use of suitable structural components, it also has anti-collision, moisture, fire and other properties. The research team hopes the technology will become a safe and effective energy storage method and will be used in many fields, especially in aerospace.

Of course, it is undeniable that one of the major drawbacks of solid-state batteries is the cost issue, which is the main reason that limits their commercial reach. For example, the cost of liquid lithium batteries is about 200 to 300 US dollars / kWh, but if the use of existing technology to create a smart phone-powered solid-state batteries, the cost will reach 15,000 US dollars.