From personal electronics to electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries are used in many technologies today. Over the last 30 years, scientists have worked to improve the overall safety and performance of these batteries by converting a key component, called electrolytes, from liquid to solid — partly due to an issue of the liquid being flammable.

Yet, while solid-state lithium-ion batteries — using solid electrolytes — are considered by many to be the next big advancement in battery technology, these batteries continue to suffer from performance issues. That’s why a team of researchers at the University of Missouri are working to figure out why this is happening. What the team discovers through their research could ultimately help advance the future of battery technology as scientists continue developing solutions for a safer lithium-ion battery that’s also better optimized for energy performance.