Overview

• Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) developed a lithium-antimony-scandium material that conducts lithium ions over 30% faster than any previously known solid-state conductor.
• The breakthrough was achieved through vacancy engineering, where scandium substitution in the crystal lattice of Li3Sb enhances ionic mobility by creating controlled lattice gaps.
• Validation of the record-breaking conductivity involved adapting measurement methods to account for the material’s dual ionic and electronic conduction properties.
• The scandium-doped material also demonstrates thermal stability and can be synthesized using established chemical processes, making it a promising candidate for scalable battery applications.
• Researchers emphasize that further testing is required before integrating the material into functional battery cells but highlight its potential as a blueprint for enhancing conductivity in other systems.