Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Process Research and Zhongtian Energy Storage Technology Co., Ltd. has led to the development of a polymer flexible solid-state lithium battery, which has won the first prize for technological invention at the 2025 China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation Science and Technology Awards, filling an international gap in megawatt-hour level deep-sea energy storage applications [1] Group 1: Technological Development - The solid-state lithium battery technology provides a safe, reliable, and accident-free power source for deep-sea operations, with applications extending to large-scale energy storage and electric vehicles [1] - Traditional liquid lithium batteries face significant challenges in deep-sea environments, including shell deformation, electrolyte leakage, and performance degradation, which can jeopardize expensive scientific equipment [2] - The research team, led by Cui Guanglei, focused on solid-state lithium batteries as a next-generation power solution, overcoming various challenges related to materials, interfaces, and processes [2][3] Group 2: Material Challenges - The extreme pressure at 10,000 meters underwater (100 MPa) imposes stringent requirements on the mechanical strength and electrochemical stability of battery materials [3] - The team faced initial difficulties in synthesizing solid electrolytes, which often had defects and insufficient toughness, leading to performance issues [3] - After extensive testing and optimization, the team successfully developed a high-performance polymer solid electrolyte, marking a significant breakthrough in solid-state battery materials [3] Group 3: System Integration and Engineering - The team proposed a composite solid-state electrolyte design and developed an innovative in-situ polymerization interface fusion technology to create a high-safety, high-energy, and long-life polymer solid-state lithium battery [4] - A self-pressurized battery management system was innovated to withstand deep-sea conditions, leading to successful testing at a depth of 10,918 meters in the Mariana Trench [4] - This achievement not only provided stable energy for deep-sea equipment but also marked a breakthrough in overcoming technical bottlenecks in deep-sea power sources, eliminating reliance on foreign technologies [4] Group 4: Advancements in Energy Systems - The research team has developed the world's first megawatt-level deep-sea energy station, capable of supporting multiple operational sites and facilitating long-term collaborative exploration [5] - The energy station can provide power to underwater laboratories and enable information interconnectivity between platforms, enhancing operational flexibility [5] - The team has successfully implemented two megawatt-level deep-sea energy storage systems with over six months of fault-free operation, significantly increasing the capacity of deep-sea energy systems [6]