Chinese scientists have developed a tiny, ceramic-based lithium-ion battery that can withstand extreme heat, offering a safer power source for smart sensors, aerospace gadgets and military applications.

Unlike flammable traditional lithium-ion batteries, this rechargeable solid-state battery operates stably up to 150 degrees Celsius (302 degrees Fahrenheit) and can withstand brief thermal shocks of up to 300 degrees Celsius without compromising performance.

The Tsinghua University-led team said the all-ceramic battery’s small size, high energy density, and safety could make it compatible with integration into next-generation technologies.

“The resulting batteries deliver stable, pressure-free operation across a wide temperature range … offering a safe and mechanically robust power solution for miniaturised electronics,” according to their paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Matter on June 5.

Traditional lithium-ion batteries, which feature a liquid electrolyte as the medium through which lithium ions move to generate an electrical current, have become the default battery technology due to their high energy density.As miniaturised devices such as smart sensors and wearable electronics become more common, the team said they require power sources that are small, safe, high-energy-density and compatible with harsh environments.