Researchers at Empa have developed a stretchable polymer electrolyte that could improve the safety and performance of solid-state batteries, potentially supporting lower-emission energy technologies.
Unlike conventional Lithium-ion battery systems, which use flammable liquid electrolytes, Solid-state battery designs rely on solid materials to transport ions between electrodes.
This approach improves safety and can enable the use of lithium metal anodes, significantly increasing energy density for applications such as electric vehicles and portable electronics.
However, rigid electrolytes have presented technical challenges, including internal structural damage during battery cycling.
The Empa team addressed this by developing a flexible electrolyte based on a modified silicone polymer that maintains elasticity while conducting ions efficiently.
The material is derived from polysiloxane, a compound more commonly known as silicone.
By adding functional chemical groups to the polymer backbone, researchers enabled it to dissolve and transport charged particles without losing its elastic properties.
Elasticity plays a crucial role in improving battery stability.
The stretchable electrolyte can prevent the formation of lithium dendrites while also filling microscopic voids that form during repeated charging and discharging, maintaining contact between battery components and preserving performance.
The technology could also enable flexible batteries for medical and wearable devices.
“Today’s batteries for medical implants, such as pacemakers, are usually hard and uncomfortable for patients,” explains Dorina Opris. “Our polymer can serve not only as an electrolyte, but also as a binder material for the cathode.”
Empa researcher Can Zimmerli added: “The flexible polymer can be combined with different cathode active materials, enabling batteries for various applications.”
Researchers say the material can be produced as ultra-thin films and scaled for industrial manufacturing, potentially reducing costs while improving energy storage technologies that support the transition to cleaner energy systems.
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN
Grab the opportunity to progress your Net Zero journey. The Big Zero Show 2026 is for end users responsible for reducing cost, carbon and energy and its mission is to educate and help them progress their Net Zero journey. It will run March 24th at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.