Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and Southern Methodist University (SMU) have launched a collaborative effort to push the boundaries of solid-state battery technology, tackling one of the most stubborn challenges in energy storage. This partnership focuses on enhancing the stability and performance of batteries critical for electric vehicles and other high-demand applications.
Solid-state batteries replace the conventional liquid electrolytes found in lithium-ion batteries with solid materials, promising greater energy density, faster charging times, and much-improved safety due to their non-flammable nature. However, the interface between the lithium metal anode and the solid electrolyte remains a significant hurdle. Lithium’s high reactivity and tendency to form damaging dendrites at this interface can degrade battery life and efficiency.
To address this, SwRI and SMU researchers are leveraging advanced thin-film deposition techniques to engineer ultra-thin interfacial layers that can mitigate these issues. By applying films only tens to hundreds of nanometers thick—comprising metals, metal oxides, and alloys—they aim to finely tune the interfacial chemistry. This approach seeks to stabilize the contact between the anode and electrolyte, restricting uneven lithium growth and minimizing harmful reactions.
The project draws on SwRI’s expertise in materials engineering and thin-film technology, combined with SMU’s innovative work in solid-state battery development. Together, the teams will explore the relationships between interface chemistry, lithium nucleation behavior, and long-term electrochemical performance, aiming to chart reliable pathways for durable, scalable solid-state battery designs.
While the current research operates on a proof-of-concept scale, the thin-film deposition methods are inherently scalable. This means that if successful, the techniques developed could be adapted for commercial battery manufacturing, potentially accelerating the adoption of solid-state batteries across automotive and energy storage industries.
The effort is supported by a $128,896 grant from the Seed Projects Aligning Research, Knowledge, and Skills (SPARKS) program, which promotes collaborative research between SwRI and SMU. The funding underscores the strategic importance of addressing the interface stability problem to unlock the practical potential of next-generation batteries.
Dr. John Hemmerling, a senior research engineer at SwRI, underscores the transformative potential of solid-state batteries while cautioning about existing technical barriers. His co-researchers, including SwRI’s Dr. Jianliang Lin and SMU’s Dr. Rong Kou, bring complementary expertise to this multidisciplinary challenge.
This work represents a critical step toward safer, longer-lasting batteries that could revolutionize electric vehicle technology and beyond by fundamentally improving how these energy storage devices operate at the nanoscale interface level.
For additional information, visit the Southwest Research Institute’s dedicated energy storage systems page.
Subject of Research: Solid-state battery technology and interfacial engineering
Article Title: SwRI and SMU Advance Solid-State Battery Interfaces to Boost Stability and Performance
News Publication Date: July 13, 2026
Web References: www.swri.org/markets/energy-environment/power-generation-utilities/conventional-power-generation/energy-storage-systems
Image Credits: Southwest Research Institute
Keywords
Materials engineering, solid-state chemistry, electrochemistry, solid electrolytes, lithium-ion batteries, energy storage, battery interfaces, thin-film deposition
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