Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, USA, have unveiled a promising development in solid-state battery technology, demonstrating the potential of ferric chloride (FeCl3) as a new cathode material. Initial tests indicate that FeCl3 not only matches but may even outperform conventional cathode materials, all while costing just one to two percent of their price.
The innovative cathode chemistry utilizes abundant elements—iron (Fe) and chlorine (Cl)—thus eliminating the reliance on nickel and cobalt, which are critical and often expensive raw materials. The research team's findings reveal that FeCl3 can operate at a higher voltage compared to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are currently prevalent in the market.
Lead researcher and associate professor Chen emphasized the broader implications of this discovery, stating, “This could not only make EVs much cheaper than internal combustion cars, but it provides a new and promising form of large-scale energy storage, enhancing the resilience of the electrical grid.” He also highlighted the potential for improved sustainability and supply chain stability within the electric vehicle market.
The researchers estimate that the FeCl3-based technology could achieve commercial viability for electric vehicles within five years. Chen noted their intention to refine the materials in the lab to fully understand the underlying mechanisms at work. “We are open to opportunities to scale up the technology and push it toward commercial applications,” he added.
The significant findings of the research group have been published in the paper titled “Low-cost iron trichloride cathode for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries” in Nature Sustainability.
