Experts Discuss: Prospects of Zirconates as Solid-State Electrolytes [New Energy Summit]

At the 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Expo - All-Solid-State Battery Forward-Looking Technology Forum hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), Dr. Roberto C. Dante, Chief Research Officer and CEO of 2Dto3D S.r.l.s., shared insights on the topic "Prospects of Zirconates as Solid-State Electrolytes." The solid-state electrolyte, as the core of solid-state batteries (SSB), plays a crucial role in determining ion transport kinetics and interface compatibility with the cathode and anode. Based on its functional characteristics, it can be subdivided into cathode electrolyte, bulk electrolyte, and anode electrolyte. The advantages of SSB include improved safety due to the absence of flammable and toxic liquids, environmental protection, long life (>10,000 cycles), fast charging, and high-temperature operation. Due to easier bipolar stacking, the voltage of a single cell is higher; the battery voltage is also higher due to the higher cathode voltage. Inorganic solid-state electrolytes outperform polymer electrolytes in terms of thermal stability, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical window. Lithium dendrites and cracks, interface stability, and ion diffusion depend on the contact of solid particles. Stress generated by electrochemical cycling may cause cracks at solid interfaces. Why LLZO? The prospects of LLZO as a solid-state electrolyte are promising, especially in achieving a balance in ionic conductivity, stability, and compatibility. However, it needs to continue evolving alongside competing materials and address challenges in scalability and interface stability to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving battery technology field. Click to view the special report on the 2025 (10th) New Energy Industry Expo.