Chinese Academy of Sciences Develops New Solid-State Lithium-Metal Battery: 3-Minute Fast Charge, 451.5 Wh/kg Energy Density

On May 28, a team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced a breakthrough in solid-state battery technology, successfully developing a new type of solid-state lithium-metal battery. The battery achieves an energy density of 451.5 Wh/kg—more than twice that of current mainstream electric vehicle batteries—and can be fully charged in approximately three minutes. After 700 charge-discharge cycles, it still retains 81.9% of its original capacity. The research team employed a compatible solvent plasticization strategy, broadening the range of polymer-plasticizer combinations and addressing the insufficient stability of conventional solid electrolytes. This new approach enhances electrolyte stability and forms a protective layer at the electrode interface, reducing side reactions and thereby improving both charging speed and cycle life. Using a solid electrolyte, the battery is less prone to short circuits or thermal runaway compared to traditional liquid-based batteries and has already passed stringent safety tests, including nail penetration tests. However, the technology remains at the laboratory stage and has not yet entered mass production or commercial application.