Enhancing EV efficiency using Terahertz Optimized Solid-State Batteries
CURRENT SITUATION
The shift towards Electric Vehicles (EVs) is driven by the need for sustainable and efficient transportation. As demand for EVs grows, so does the need for safe and efficient batteries with higher energy density to extend driving range and improve performance.
Traditional lithium-ion batteries, while currently used in EVs, have limitations in terms of energy density, safety, and longevity. This has led to increased interest in solid-state battery electrolytes (SSEs), which offer superior thermal stability, lower flammability, and potentially higher energy density (Figure (b)) and believed that it would be possible to charge high-temperature-resistant solid-state batteries even faster than current lithium-ion batteries.
Energy Density, being the key performance metric for batteries, is crucial to ensure the quality of SSEs.
Traditional methods for analyzing the energy density of SSEs, such as the Archimedes method, helium pycnometer, and mercury porosimetry, are proven effective but only provide bulk density and are time-consuming. More advantages of Terahertz Technology over the Traditional techniques are given in Table 1.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Unlike conventional methods, TeraNIM™ Time-Domain Spectroscopy (THz-TDS) provides a rapid, non-destructive, and highly effective technique for determining the Energy density of solid-state electrolytes (SSEs), particularly NaSICON-based SSEs, which are known for their excellent ionic conductivity and stability.
Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy (THz-TDS) measures the effective refractive index and absorption coefficients of SSEs at various temperatures. This provides detailed insights into the material properties, including Density, refractive index and absorption coefficient.
| Aspect | Terahertz Technique (THz-TDS) | Archimedes Method | Helium pycnometer | Mercury Porosimetry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Speed |
Rapid and fast |
Time-consuming |
Time-consuming |
Time-consuming |
|
Destructiveness |
Non-destructive |
Can be destructive |
Can be destructive |
Can be destructive |
|
Invasiveness |
Non-invasive and maintains sample integrity |
Can be invasive and Potential to alter the sample |
Can be invasive and Potential to alter the sample |
Can be invasive and Potential to alter the sample |
|
Environmental Safety |
Environmentally safe |
Uses water (may not be suitable for all materials) |
Uses helium (safe but expensive) |
Uses mercury (toxic and hazardous) |
|
Measurement Focus |
Provides refractive index, absorption coefficients, and density variation |
Provides overall bulk density |
Provides overall bulk density |
Provides overall bulk density |
|
Sample Preparation |
Minimal preparation needed |
Requires immersion in fluid |
Requires specific preparation and handling |
Provides overall bulk density Requires specific preparation and handling |
|
Suitability for Porous Materials |
Suitable for porous and non-porous materials |
Less suitable for highly porous materials |
Less suitable for highly porous materials |
Suitable for porous materials but can be invasive |
|
Real-time Monitoring |
Capable of real-time monitoring |
Not suitable |
Not suitable |
Not suitable |
Table 1: Detailed comparison table between Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy (THz-TDS) and traditional techniques
CONCLUSION
Terahertz Technology, specifically TeraNIM™, can characterize NaSICON-based solid-state battery electrolytes for electric vehicles. By providing rapid, non-destructive, non-invasive, and detailed insights into material properties like refractive index, absorption coefficient, and energy density, which is a key performance metric for batteries. THz-TDS supports the development of safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting batteries, crucial for the future of sustainable Electric Vehicles.
with its speed, accuracy, and ability
