Solid-state battery prototype combines high energy density with cost-effective manufacturing process

The range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has improved considerably in recent years; the latest models can drive from Brussels to Lyon in the sunny south of France without needing to recharge. However, with the growing demand for EVs, there still is an increasing pressure to develop batteries with greater range and faster charging times. At the same time, it is crucial that these batteries remain affordable, as they currently account for almost half the price of an EV.

Solid state battery

The performance and affordability of electric vehicles largely depend on the materials used in their batteries. Today's vehicles rely on lithium-ion batteries, a technology nearing its energy density limits. In search for better technologies, UHasselt/imo-Imomec joined the SOLiDIFY project, focusing on the development solid electrolytes and on the effect of external pressure on the performance of solid-state batteries. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries, which use liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries have a solid electrolyte at their core. These solid-state batteries offer several potential advantages: higher energy density, reduced fire risk, faster charging times, and longer lifespan. However, until now, it has been difficult to surpass the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, let alone achieve mass production in a cost-effective way.

SOLiDIFY project

Within the SOLiDIFY project, 14 European partners have, for the first time, developed a prototype of a lithium-metal solid-state battery with an exceptional energy density of 1070 Wh/L. The battery cell was produced at the EnergyVille campus in Genk and owes its high energy density to a unique electrolyte for ion transport, based on a polymerised nanocomposite. Compared to liquid electrolytes, this new battery also has reduced flammability, enhancing safety. Additional protective coatings have enabled the use of low-cobalt cathodes, reducing the environmental impact while providing higher energy density.

The production process can be carried out at room temperature, is adaptable to current lithium-ion production lines, and is expected to cost less than €150 per kWh, with potential for further optimisation. This makes it promising for affordable industrial applications. The project is currently in the scaling-up phase, with further validation of the production process underway. Next steps involve further scaling up this high-performance battery technology. Additionally, efforts will focus on continuously enhancing the energy and power density of energy storage systems, including research into next-generation cathode materials and lithium-metal anodes through electroplating techniques.

For more information about the project, visit SOLiDIFY.