Scientists named the cause of the short circuit that prevents the use of ultra-fast charging for batteries. The study was published in the journal Nature.

According to Stanford University engineers, they had the task of finding out why lithium metal batteries with solid electrolytes short-circuited when charged quickly. Experts managed to find out that malfunctions occur due to the appearance of numerous microcracks in the battery case.

The authors noted that while lithium metal batteries could theoretically be used for very fast charging, short circuits occur very often in this case. Scientists have discovered that the battery is very susceptible to various cracks that appear during operation.

“Slightly squeezing, twisting, or rotating batteries can open nanoscopic cracks in the materials and allow lithium to enter the solid electrolyte and short-circuit.”– William Chue, lead author of the study, called the main problem of advanced batteries.

The scientists determined that during 60 experiments using a high-sensitivity microscope, nanoscopic cracks about 20 nanometers in size appeared on the surface of the battery. During rapid charging, these cracks open, causing electrolyte to leak in and cause malfunction. According to William Chue, if experts manage to fix the battery power issue, they will be able to create a next-generation battery.