Which manufacturing routes are most likely to avoid equity problems?
The key to avoiding equity problems is choosing manufacturing methods that are low-cost, operate under ambient conditions, and use abundant materials. A 2023 study demonstrated a glass-fiber-polymer composite solid electrolyte that is fabricated entirely under ambient conditions and is compatible with roll-to-roll processing—a technique already used in low-cost industries like paper and plastic film [1]. This means factories don't need expensive dry rooms or ultra-high vacuum chambers, lowering the capital barrier for entry and making the technology accessible to more regions and companies.
Similarly, liquid-phase synthesis of sulfide solid electrolytes is highlighted as an economically viable manufacturing technology because it offers high scalability and low cost compared to traditional solid-state methods [4]. Another 2023 study on selenide electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries explicitly designed scalable, cost-efficient solution routes using ethanol and amine-thiol solvents, achieving ionic conductivity on par with conventional thermo-mechanical routes [5]. These wet-chemistry approaches are inherently more equitable because they can be implemented with standard chemical processing equipment rather than specialized, expensive machinery.
Where could equity problems still arise?
Equity problems could emerge if the industry pursues cell concepts that require exotic materials or extremely precise, capital-intensive manufacturing. A 2023 roadmap for solid-state batteries notes that there are still major uncertainties concerning production routes, safety, and cost, and that hybrid material and cell concepts may be particularly successful on the way to commercialization [2]. If the dominant designs end up relying on scarce elements like germanium or require ultra-dry processing, the cost and geographic concentration of production could create new inequities.
Another review points out that solid-state electrodes face mechanical stability problems like fracture and deformation, and that the fabrication process for solid electrodes is still a challenge [3]. If these issues force manufacturers into complex, multi-step processes with low yields, the resulting high cost could limit solid-state batteries to premium applications (e.g., luxury EVs), leaving lower-cost markets underserved. This would mirror the current lithium-ion battery landscape, where equity concerns already exist around raw material mining and processing.
Could sodium-based solid-state batteries be a more equitable path?
Yes, sodium-based solid-state batteries are explicitly framed as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries because they offer low manufacturing costs and improved safety [5]. Sodium is far more abundant and geographically widespread than lithium, reducing the risk of supply-chain bottlenecks and geopolitical concentration. The 2023 study on glass-fiber-polymer composite electrolytes for sodium-metal batteries achieved full capacity utilization with a cobalt-free, low-nickel cathode [1], further avoiding the ethical and environmental problems associated with cobalt mining.
A separate review on solid-state sodium-ion batteries using selenide electrolytes also emphasizes that these systems are designed for low cost and scalability [5]. By using sodium instead of lithium, and by developing air-stable electrolytes that can be processed in open air, these systems inherently reduce the barriers to entry for manufacturers in regions without advanced battery infrastructure. This makes sodium-based solid-state batteries a particularly equitable technology pathway.
About These Sources
This answer is built on 5 peer-reviewed studies — published in 2023, 5 in Q1 journals, collectively cited 305 times — selected as the most relevant from 8 studies that passed quality screening, drawn from 66 papers retrieved from a database of over 500 million.
Sources used in this answer
Scalable Glass-Fiber-Polymer Composite Solid Electrolytes for Solid-State Sodium–Metal Batteries
Demonstrates a glass-fiber-polymer composite solid electrolyte for sodium-metal batteries that is fabricated under ambient conditions and compatible with roll-to-roll processing, using a cobalt-free, low-nickel cathode.
A Roadmap for Solid‐State Batteries
Provides a roadmap for solid-state batteries, noting major uncertainties in production routes, safety, and cost, and suggesting hybrid concepts may be key to commercialization.
Challenges and Prospects of All‐Solid‐State Electrodes for Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Reviews challenges in all-solid-state electrodes, including mechanical stability issues like fracture and deformation, and discusses fabrication processes and future electrode designs.
Toward Scalable Liquid-Phase Synthesis of Sulfide Solid Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Batteries
Reviews liquid-phase synthesis of sulfide solid electrolytes as an economically viable, scalable, and low-cost manufacturing technology, providing guidelines for solvent selection.
Scalable Synthesis of Selenide Solid-State Electrolytes for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Demonstrates scalable, cost-efficient solution routes for producing air-stable sodium selenoantimonate electrolytes, achieving ionic conductivity on par with conventional thermo-mechanical methods.