Solid State Battery Breakthrough: Chinese Research Overcomes Interface Challenges, Ushering in the Era of High-Performance Lithium Batteries!

The performance ceiling of traditional liquid lithium batteries is about to be shattered, as an energy revolution driven by solid state batteries quietly approaches.

Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Metal Research have recently achieved a critical breakthrough in solid state lithium battery technology. They have provided a novel solution to the core challenges that have long plagued solid-state battery development: high interface impedance and low ion transport efficiency.

This research, published in the internationally authoritative academic journal Advanced Materials, represents a qualitative leap in the field of interface integration for solid state batteries through innovative molecular design.

01 The Challenges of Solid-State Batteries

Solid-state lithium batteries are hailed as the ultimate form of next-generation energy storage technology, widely regarded by the industry for their high safety and energy density.

Compared to traditional lithium batteries, a solid-state battery is like turning "soup" into "jelly"—fundamentally eliminating the risks of leakage and combustion associated with liquid electrolytes, while significantly raising the upper limit of energy storage.

However, the development of solid-state battery technology has long been hampered by a persistent problem: poor solid solid contact between the electrode and electrolyte, leading to high ion transport resistance and inefficiency.

This is akin to two people trying to communicate through a thick wall, where the sound struggles to get through clearly, severely constraining the practical application performance of solid-state batteries.

02 The Innovative Solution

The research team at the Institute of Metal Research took a different approach, tackling this problem at the molecular level.

Leveraging the design flexibility of polymer molecules, they introduced both ethoxy groups with ion-conducting functions and short sulfur chains with electrochemical activity into the polymer backbone. This created a new material achieving interface integration at the molecular scale.

This innovative material not only possesses high ion transport capability but can also controllably switch between ion transport and storage behaviors at different potential ranges, demonstrating unprecedented multifunctional characteristics.

Research results show that the integrated flexible battery constructed with this material exhibits excellent resistance to bending, withstanding 20,000 repeated bends without performance degradation. When used as a polymer electrolyte in composite cathodes, the energy density of the composite cathode increased by up to 86%, opening new doors for the practical application of solid-state batteries.

03 Accelerating Industrialization

According to the latest research report from CITIC Securities, the industrialization of solid-state batteries has entered a critical period, with a clear development roadmap taking shape.

The report predicts that pilot lines will be densely deployed in China from 2025-2026, initiating vehicle verification tests for all-solid-state batteries. Small-scale installation in vehicles is expected by 2027, with volume adoption likely beginning in 2028-2029 in sectors tolerant of higher costs, such as the low-altitude economy and robotics.

By 2030, solid-state batteries are expected to enter the stage of large-scale application in mid-range and high-end automotive sectors.

Regarding market size, following the conclusion of a dedicated solid-state battery research project led by MIIT in 2027, the shipment volume of solid-state batteries in China is expected to enter a period of rapid growth. Projections indicate an increase from approximately 7 GWh (for solid-state and semi-solid-state combined) in 2024 to over 65 GWh by 2030, representing nearly tenfold growth.

Technical routes are also becoming clearer: the oxide route holds an advantage in the semi-solid-state stage, the sulfide route is chosen by more manufacturers for the all-solid-state stage, while polymer and halide routes serve as effective supplements.

04 Future Application Prospects

The breakthrough in solid-state battery technology will fundamentally change how we travel and use energy.

First, the driving range of electric vehicles could easily exceed 1000 kilometers, with energy density expected to more than double that of current batteries. Second, the risk of battery fires will be significantly reduced, addressing the safety concerns of lithium batteries at their root. Furthermore, the new technology enables the possibility of ultra-fast charging. The dream of adding over 500 kilometers of range in just 6 minutes could become a reality, making EV charging as convenient as refueling a conventional car.

Beyond the automotive sector, solid-state batteries are transitioning from "vehicle-centric" to "full-scenario penetration," finding broad application potential in emerging fields like energy storage, consumer electronics, the low-altitude economy, and robotics.

The pace of solid-state battery industrialization is continuously accelerating. Industry forecasts suggest that 2027 will become the first year of mass production for all-solid-state batteries, with the technology fully entering the mid-range and high-end automotive sectors after 2030.

Driven by the dual wheels of material innovation and process optimization, the era of electric mobility is on the verge of a new energy age—safer, more efficient, and more durable.

That long-awaited "next-generation battery" is finally moving from the laboratory into our daily lives.

A Note from Shenzhen Lead New Energy Co., Ltd.

Our company is actively monitoring the development of solid-state batteries. However, the current cost of all-solid-state batteries remains relatively high, making them less suitable for large-scale commercial use at this stage. We currently recommend semi-solid-state batteries, which offer performance close to that of solid-state batteries at a more accessible price point. If your company has projects that require customized semi-solid-state battery packs, we welcome you to contact us at Shenzhen Lead New Energy Co., Ltd.