Core Insights - LLZTO (Lithium Lanthanum Zirconium Oxide) is identified as a key material for solid-state batteries, maintaining exceptionally low temperatures during operation, making it an ideal candidate for next-generation rechargeable batteries [1][2] - A recent study from the University of California, Riverside, published in the journal PRX Energy, reveals the reasons behind LLZTO's low thermal conductivity, which is crucial for developing safer and higher energy density lithium batteries [1] Group 1 - LLZTO is a ceramic material that serves as a solid electrolyte, providing higher energy density while significantly reducing the risks of overheating and fire [1] - The thermal conductivity of LLZTO is measured at only 1.59 W/m·K, approximately 1/250th that of copper, indicating that low thermal conductivity is an inherent property of the material [1] - The research utilized floating zone method to grow LLZTO single crystals, which reflect the intrinsic properties of the material [1] Group 2 - The study found that the presence of numerous optical phonon modes in LLZTO leads to interactions that scatter the primary heat-conducting acoustic phonons, thereby hindering thermal conduction [2] - Understanding how LLZTO naturally impedes heat flow is essential for managing internal temperature changes in solid-state batteries and preventing safety risks [2] - This discovery offers new insights into atomic-level thermal regulation, aiding in predicting internal temperature distribution and improving thermal management for safer, higher-performance batteries [2]