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After the widespread media coverage and public concern following the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 battery explosions, the issue has evolved from a simple news story into a broader societal discussion. This event not only shook the entire battery industry but also raised serious concerns among consumers about the safety of their mobile devices. As a result, many have started to question: what if Samsung had used solid-state batteries instead? Solid-state batteries are known for their significantly higher safety compared to traditional liquid lithium-ion batteries, as they are much less likely to catch fire or explode.
In fact, major tech companies have already recognized the potential of solid-state batteries. Since 2012, Apple has been actively filing patents related to all-solid-state battery technology. The company is looking to integrate this next-generation battery into future flexible devices such as iPads and MacBooks, leveraging its high energy density, enhanced safety, and flexibility. In 2015, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent for solid-state battery charging technology specifically designed for portable devices, signaling a growing interest in this field.
Solid-state batteries are increasingly seen as a promising direction for future battery development due to their unique advantages. One of the most significant benefits is their enhanced safety. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries utilize solid electrolytes that can separate the positive and negative electrodes, preventing direct reactions between lithium metal and atmospheric components. This allows them to operate at higher temperatures—up to 60°C or more—making them suitable for a wider range of environments and applications.
Another key advantage is their high energy density. By replacing the traditional separator and liquid electrolyte with a solid electrolyte, solid-state batteries can use metal lithium directly as the anode, reducing the amount of material needed and increasing energy storage capacity. This makes them lighter and more efficient, which is particularly beneficial for industries like electric vehicles, where lightweight design is a top priority.
Additionally, solid-state batteries offer great potential for flexibility. Their slim and compact design makes them ideal for developing flexible batteries that can withstand hundreds or even thousands of bends without losing performance. This makes them a perfect power source for wearable electronics. Apple’s ongoing research into solid-state batteries is partly driven by this very potential.
However, despite these advantages, solid-state batteries still face several challenges before they can be widely commercialized. The interface between the solid electrode and solid electrolyte often has higher resistance than the liquid counterpart, which affects both cycle life and charge-discharge efficiency. Moreover, the production process is complex, and the cost remains relatively high. These issues need to be addressed through continued research and innovation.
Several research institutions around the world are working on solutions. For example, SakT3, founded by former University of Michigan professor Mary Sestri, has developed a solid-state lithium battery using manufacturing techniques from flat-panel TVs and Solar panels. It costs just one-fifth of traditional lithium batteries and offers twice the energy density. Meanwhile, the Qingdao Energy Storage Industry Technology Research Institute has created a series of all-solid polymer electrolytes with excellent performance, capable of maintaining 92% of their capacity after 1,000 charge cycles. These batteries have already passed deep-sea pressure tests, making them a strong candidate for underwater exploration vehicles.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich have also made progress by using garnet-based electrolytes to increase the contact area between the electrode and electrolyte, allowing faster charging and operation at temperatures up to 100°C. In the U.S., SunCulture Solar has applied solid-state battery technology to solar energy storage, creating an integrated system that reduces installation costs by over 50%.
With global efforts in solid-state battery research still in early stages, now is a critical time for development and industrialization. For China's battery industry, this presents a unique opportunity to lead in this emerging field. Additionally, the knowledge gained from solid-state battery R&D will also support future advancements in other battery technologies, such as lithium-sulfur and lithium-air batteries.
September 23, 2025