FURI | Spring 2025

Enhancing Electrical Contacts in Solid-state Batteries

This project aims to identify a polymer that meets the mechanical, chemical, and conductivity requirements for use in solid-state battery (SSB) testing cells. Current cells face challenges due to brittle ceramics and hard steel current collectors that fail to maintain constant contact at electrode-electrolyte interfaces, leading to local mechanical stress and fracturing. Incorporating soft, yet tough, polymers, such as conductive rubber, between the steel rod and the SSB cell enhances interfacial contact and reduces fracture risk. Applying this polymer will minimize assembly and testing failure rates, and improve SSB testing efficiency and accuracy.