Why Solid-State Batteries Hold the Key to Safer, Denser Energy

Lithium-ion dominates thanks to high energy density and versatility, yet flammable liquid electrolytes limit how far the technology can go. Solid-state batteries promise safer, denser energy storage, but face a critical challenge: voids and lithium dendrites that short-circuit cells. By borrowing insights from soft-adhesive physics, researchers are rethinking interfaces to overcome these failure modes—unlocking a solid-state market poised for rapid growth if the science can keep up.