Researchers report high performance solid-state sodium-ion battery

The improved performance, reported in the journal Joule, is related to two key findings:

The resistive interface between the electrolyte and cathode that commonly forms during cycling can be reversed, extending cycle life, and
The flexibility of the organic cathode allowed it to maintain intimate contact at the interface with the solid electrolyte, even as the cathode expanded and contracted during cycling. Yanliang “Leonard” Liang, a research assistant professor in the UH Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said that reversibility of the interface is the key, allowing the solid-state battery to reach a higher energy density without sacrificing cycle life. Fang Hao, a Ph.D. student working in Yao’s group, said the organic cathode is more pliable and thus able to remain in contact with the interface, improving cycling life.

Source: phys.org