Imec, coordinator of the H2020 SOLiDIFY consortium, has announced the successful development of a high-performance lithium-metal solid-state battery. The prototype pouch cell features a unique “liquid-to-solid” processed solid electrolyte, co-developed with consortium partners.
With an energy density of 1070 Wh/L, compared to 800 Wh/L in typical lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, the prototype demonstrates significant advancements. The cost-effective manufacturing process is also adaptable to existing Li-ion battery production lines, bringing commercially viable solid-state lithium batteries for electromobility within reach.
The rising adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in response to reducing carbon emissions has increased the demand for batteries that offer longer range and faster charging. While batteries account for nearly half the cost of an EV, performance improvements must come with cost-effectiveness, driving the need for new materials and technologies.
Solid-state batteries are a promising alternative, using solid electrolytes instead of the liquid found in conventional Li-ion batteries. This change allows for greater energy density and improved safety by reducing the risk of fires. By integrating a thin lithium metal anode and a solid electrolyte, these batteries offer a higher energy density, though the challenge has been creating an affordable mass-production process.
Through the SOLiDIFY project, imec and its 13 European partners have developed a prototype with an impressive energy density of 1070 Wh/L, manufactured at EnergyVille’s battery lab in Belgium. The process operates at room temperature and is compatible with existing production lines, offering an estimated cost below €150 per kWh—paving the way for commercial applications.
This breakthrough was achieved through the use of new materials, including a doped polymerized ionic liquid (PIL)-based nanocomposite solid electrolyte. This “liquid-to-solid” approach allowed for a compact cell stack with a high-capacity composite cathode and a thin lithium metal anode, separated by a 50 μm solid electrolyte. The result is a battery with a charge rate of 3 hours, a cycle life of 100 cycles, and reduced flammability for increased safety. Additionally, the use of cobalt-lean NMC cathodes minimizes environmental impact while increasing capacity.
Next steps for the project include further scaling up the technology and improving energy and power densities, with ongoing research into next-generation cathode materials and lithium-metal anodes using electroplating techniques.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News