Core Insights - A new type of fluorinated polyether electrolyte has been developed by a team led by Professor Zhang Qiang from Tsinghua University's Chemical Engineering Department, providing new ideas and technical support for the development of practical high-safety, high-energy-density solid-state lithium batteries [1][2] - Solid-state batteries are seen as a crucial development direction for the next generation of secondary lithium batteries, particularly those using lithium-rich manganese layered oxide as cathode materials, which show the potential to exceed 600 watt-hours per kilogram in energy density [1] Group 1 - Solid-state batteries face two main challenges: poor interfacial contact due to rigid contact between solid materials and the difficulty of electrolytes to coexist in extreme chemical environments with high-voltage cathodes and strong reducing anodes [1] - The team proposed a new strategy of "rich anion solvation structure" design, successfully developing a novel fluorinated polyether electrolyte that enhances physical contact and ionic conductivity at the solid-solid interface, significantly improving the high-voltage performance and interfacial stability of lithium batteries [1] Group 2 - A polymer soft-pack full battery constructed with this electrolyte achieved an energy density of 604 watt-hours per kilogram under an external pressure of 1 MPa, surpassing current commercial batteries [2] - The battery successfully passed safety tests, including puncture and exposure to a 120-degree Celsius heat box for 6 hours without any combustion or explosion, demonstrating excellent safety performance [2] - This research outcome is expected to provide important technical references for the development of mature solid-state battery products in the future [2]

Core Viewpoint - A research team led by Professor Zhang Qiang from Tsinghua University has made significant advancements in solid-state battery polymer electrolytes, developing a novel fluorinated polyether electrolyte that enhances physical contact and ionic conductivity at solid-solid interfaces, providing new insights and technical support for high safety and high energy density solid-state lithium batteries [1][2]. Group 1: Research Progress - The team successfully developed a new fluorinated polyether electrolyte using thermally initiated in-situ polymerization technology, which significantly improves the physical contact and ionic conductivity at solid-solid interfaces [1]. - The research paper titled "Tailoring polymer electrolyte solvation for 600 Wh kg−1 lithium batteries" was published online in Nature on September 24 [1]. Group 2: Challenges Addressed - Solid-state batteries face two main challenges: poor interface contact due to rigid solid-solid materials and the electrolyte's compatibility with high voltage cathodes and highly reducing anodes under extreme chemical environments [1]. - The team proposed a new strategy of "anion-rich solvation structure" design to address these challenges [1]. Group 3: Performance and Safety - The polymer battery assembled with the new electrolyte demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance, achieving an energy density of 604 Wh/kg under 1 MPa external pressure, surpassing current commercial batteries [2]. - The battery successfully passed safety tests, including needle penetration and exposure to a 120°C heat chamber for 6 hours, without any incidents of combustion or explosion, showcasing its superior safety performance [4].