Challenges and Design Strategies for Solid Electrolytes in All-Solid-State Batteries: A Bibliometric and Critical Review

Abstract

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have attracted extensive attention as a potential next-generation energy-storage technology because they may combine high energy density, improved safety, and compatibility with lithium-metal anodes. However, the replacement of liquid electrolytes with solid ion conductors introduces new limitations involving ionic transport, solid–solid interfaces, mechanical degradation, lithium dendrite growth, and scalable manufacturing. This review combines a bibliometric perspective with a critical discussion of these challenges and the associated design strategies for solid electrolytes. Based on the Web of Science dataset described in the research materials, the field has experienced rapid growth, particularly since 2020, while research activity has become concentrated in a number of major institutions and interconnected research groups. The review then examines sulfide, oxide, polymer, and composite electrolytes from the perspective of bulk transport, chemical stability, mechanical properties, and processability. Particular attention is given to interface engineering, artificial interphases, defect and crystal-structure regulation, and chemomechanical design. The comparison indicates that no single electrolyte family simultaneously satisfies all requirements for practical ASSBs. Future progress will therefore depend on integrated optimization of electrolyte chemistry, microstructure, interfaces, electrode architecture, manufacturing conditions, and cost. Standardized testing, advanced operando characterization, data-driven materials discovery, and scalable low-pressure manufacturing are expected to play increasingly important roles in translating laboratory demonstrations into commercially relevant solid-state batteries.