Residual electronic conductivity inside solid electrolytes can cause solid-state batteries to self-discharge at open circuit, according to findings published in Nature Energy. The journal reported on 10 September 2026 that two recent studies documented the phenomenon, which specifically impairs thin practical battery cells.
Solid electrolytes have historically served in battery design under the assumption that they block electron flow while facilitating fast lithium-ion movement. The newly highlighted research demonstrates that unintended electron leaks bypass this barrier, draining cell charge without an active external circuit. In addition to pinpointing the self-discharge process, the studies define the specific conductivity limits necessary to maintain shelf life over time.
Researchers Joohyeon Noh and Kisuk Kang authored the paper through Seoul National University and the Institute for Basic Science in the Republic of Korea. Their academic affiliations span the university's Department of Materials Science and Engineering, the Research Institute of Advanced Materials, the Institute for Rechargeable Battery Innovation, and the Institute of Engineering Research. The authors declared no competing financial interests in the peer-reviewed publication.
The publication cites related solid-state research, including 2026 papers by Wang and colleagues as well as Alt and Janek, alongside earlier work by Janek and Zeier, Randau, Shao, Schwietert, Liu, Gorai, Li, and Nakamura. Access to the paper, registered under digital object identifier 10.1038/s41560-026-02133-3, costs $32.99 for 30 days or $119.00 annually. Individual article purchases from the publisher range from $1.95 to $39.95.
