On October 15, 2025, Nuvvon announced that its proprietary solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) successfully passed rigorous nail penetration tests in commercial-grade, 1 Ah cells based on Graphite-NMC811 and Lithium-NMC9 chemistries. Conducted independently at The University of Texas at Austin, these tests simulate internal short circuits by driving a nail through fully assembled cells. While cells containing a conventional liquid electrolyte exploded immediately upon penetration, neither of the SPE-based cells ignited or erupted.
Nail penetration testing is an established safety protocol that subjects battery cells to severe internal abuse under controlled conditions. Passing these tests without thermal runaway or combustion is a key indicator of an electrolyte’s ability to suppress heat generation and prevent fire propagation. The tests were performed on both graphite anode/high-nickel NMC811 cathode cells and lithium-metal anode/NMC9 cathode cells, representing industry-leading high-energy-density chemistries. Successful performance across both formulations underscores the SPE’s versatility and compatibility with different electrode materials.
Jonathan Lex, Chief Operating Officer at Nuvvon, emphasized that battery safety remains essential for customers and partners, and that demonstrating these safety characteristics through independent testing will support accelerated commercialization of safer battery solutions.
Nuvvon’s SPE is formulated as a pure polymer system that excludes sulfide or oxide nanoparticles while delivering ionic conductivity above 1 mS/cm at 25 °C. The material enables separator thicknesses of 20 µm or less and functions simultaneously as catholyte, anolyte and separator. It relies on low-cost, readily available raw materials and integrates seamlessly with existing lithium-ion production lines, minimizing the need for manufacturing changes.
These properties make the technology well suited for applications such as portable electronics, aerospace and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as electric vehicles that require high safety margins and efficient thermal management. By enhancing intrinsic cell safety and simplifying integration into current manufacturing processes, Nuvvon aims to accelerate the deployment of next-generation battery systems across multiple market segments.
Source: Nuvvon Press Release
