Ziyang Ning

High-energy-density solid-state batteries represent a direction of great potential for next-generation battery technology, with the potential to gradually disrupt existing lithium-ion and semi-solid-state battery systems, driving the electrification transformation in aviation, navigation, deep sea, robotics and other fields.

Ziyang Ning is primarily focused on addressing the failure and degradation issues of high-energy-density solid-state batteries, particularly lithium metal solid-state batteries, in practical applications.

He first proposed that crack propagation precedes dendrite growth and short-circuit failure in solid-state batteries, elucidating the mechanical nature of dendrite formation in solid-state batteries.

He also proposed a thermo-electric-flow-mechanical multi-field coupled dendrite model for lithium metal solid-state batteries, enhancing the theoretical framework for solid-state battery dendrites and guiding the development of failure suppression strategies.

Based on the strong support of CATL’s 21C Innovation Laboratory’s comprehensive effort in cutting-edge technologies in the energy field, in-depth research on the fundamentals, and application verification, Ziyang used his strategies to conduct feasibility verification of corresponding strategies at the solid-state battery level, proposing interface enhancement and modification strategies. This achieved 5C super-fast charging capability and stable cycling with over 99.9% Coulombic efficiency for lithium metal anodes.

He led a team to design a high-energy-density cathode solution with stable interface and structure, achieving over 6,000 cycles without degradation. These innovations enabled solid-state batteries with a cell-level energy density of 500Wh/kg, twice that of current commercial lithium-ion batteries, supporting over 1,500km range for electric vehicles and offering ultra-long lifespans.

With the support of CATL’s engineering resources, he led the design and construction of CATL's first solid-state battery lab production line and PTO line, completed the development of solid-state battery cell samples, securing CATL’s leading position in this field.