SOLBAT – Solid State Metal Anode Batteries
SOLBAT aims to demonstrate the feasibility of a solid-state battery with performance superior to that of Li-ion batteries in electric vehicle (EV) applications. An all-solid-state battery has the potential to revolutionise EVs and profoundly impact the consumer electronics and aerospace sectors. The successful implementation of a lithium metal negative electrode, together with the replacement of flammable organic liquid electrolytes with a solid electrolyte, would increase driving range, reduce charging time, and further improve safety.
Established to address the fundamental research challenges hindering the realisation of solid-state batteries, SOLBAT has made significant progress. Key achievements include understanding the role of void formation at the lithium-solid electrolyte interface during discharge, the mechanisms of lithium dendrite ingress and crack propagation leading to short circuit on charge, and the effects of volume change in composite cathodes. Building on this foundational understanding, SOLBAT is now developing solutions to these challenges.
The project is structured around three core research areas—anode, cathode, and electrolyte—supported by cross-cutting characterisation and modelling activities. The overarching goals are to prevent dendrite formation and voiding, minimise operating pressure, and enable scalable fabrication.
Timeline with milestone/deliverables (to March 2026)
- Preparation and testing of new lithium alloys and interlayers.
- Investigation of structural changes during alloying and interfacial stability.
- Analysis of the effects of anode interlayers on plating, stripping, and critical current density.
- Clarification of the impact of the current collector, interlayers, and formation cycles in lithium-free cells.
- Synthesis of polymers with targeted electrochemo-mechanical properties for use as binders and coatings in composite cathodes.
- Optimisation of composite cathode microstructure and its influence on performance.
- Investigation of the effects of particle size, processing methods, and secondary phases on densification of sulfide materials, microstructure, mechanical properties, and dendrite suppression.
- Understanding the impact of ceramic microstructure—including density, grain size, shape, and particle surface composition—on grain boundary resistance.
- Development of models at the particle, component, and cell levels to guide materials research and inform microstructural design.
Project innovations
SOLBAT addresses research-level barriers to the development of solid-state batteries. It will generate new intellectual property, ideally commercialised by industrial partners or through new ventures. The long-term goal is to establish a strong, foundational knowledge base to support the commercialisation of this transformative battery technology
Duration
1 March 2018 – 31 March 2026
Project funding
£25.0 million
Principal Investigator
Professor Mauro Pasta
University of Oxford
Project Manager
Neil Cadman
University of Oxford
University Partners
University of Oxford (Lead)
Newcastle University
Research Organisations, Facilities and Institutes
Diamond Light Source
+ 3 major Industrial Partners
