What can we expect once this elusive, transformative technology is finally ready for mass production?

 Batteries are nothing but devices that store chemical energy and convert it into electricity. They have four main components: cathode, anode, electrolyte and separator. The cathode and anode are electrodes. Our electric current is created when electrons pass from one electrode to another. In this case, the electrons pass from the negatively charged anode to the positively charged cathode. Therefore, the role of the two electrodes is to generate our electricity. The electrolyte solution allows positively charged ions to flow between the two electrodes. This balances the electron flow. Finally, the separator holds both electrodes and prevents the battery from short-circuiting.

There is one important difference between our current batteries and the semiconductor batteries of the future: the electrolyte. Current lithium-ion batteries contain a liquid electrolyte. Unfortunately, some compounds present in the liquid electrolyte may allow the growth of crystalline structures known as dendrites. Dendrites create long, sharp beards that penetrate the separation and cause short circuits, leading to dangerous explosions. As the name suggests, semiconductor batteries contain a solid electrolyte that inhibits the growth of these harmful dendrites. Not to mention the surprise that happens when the electrolyte changes from liquid to solid. The battery has a higher energy density, significantly reduces the risk of fires and explosions, takes up less space and is able to operate over a wider temperature range. Take, for example, what this means for cars.

The biggest disadvantage of electric cars today is their limited range. The average electric car can cover a distance of 250-300 miles (402-483 km) when fully charged. It takes from 1 to 5 hours to fully charge the car, depending on whether the car is being charged at the station or via a standard home exit. However, the popularity of electric cars is expected to continue to grow and eventually dominate the automotive sector. To reach this point, they need to extend their distance to at least 450 miles (724 km) while remaining affordable for consumers.

Now let's imagine a solid-state battery.

The range of electric cars can be twice or three times the current number. Companies can choose between making the battery smaller and lighter, which charges faster, or leaving the battery the same size with a wider range. Charging time has also been reduced to just 15 minutes. If we look at Samsung's advances in semiconductor batteries, we can see that they have developed a battery that can be charged and discharged more than 1,000 times over a distance of 500 miles (805 km) on a single charge. It has a battery life of 500,000 miles. All this in efficient operation even in extreme temperatures.

That could be the end of gas cars. For laptops and smartphones, this means that the device lasts for several (very fast) charges for several days, while the total battery life increases from 2 years to more than 10. Medical devices become more portable and compact, while higher temperatures mean that Fixed batteries may have applications in future space technology.