European researchers have made a major breakthrough in battery technology, developing a high-performance solid-state lithium-metal battery that could revolutionize electric vehicles. The Horizon 2020 SOLiDIFY consortium of 14 European partners has successfully created a prototype battery with an impressive energy density of 1070 Wh/L, surpassing current lithium-ion batteries.
The prototype, manufactured at EnergyVille in Belgium, features a unique “liquid-to-solid” processed electrolyte developed jointly by imec, Empa and SOLVIONIC. This innovative approach allows for a thin separator of 20 μm and a thick cathode of 100 μm, resulting in a compact and efficient battery cell stack.
Key features of the new battery include
- High energy density: 1070 Wh/L, compared to 800 Wh/L in current high-energy density batteries
- Cost-effective manufacturing: Projected to cost less than €150 per kWh
- Adaptable production: Compatible with existing lithium-ion battery production lines
- Improved safety: Reduced flammability through thermally stable cell design
- Environmental considerations: Use of low-cobalt NMC cathodes
The battery design combines a thick, high-energy density cathode with a thin lithium-metal anode separated by a thin solid electrolyte. This configuration, along with the use of advanced materials and coatings, has enabled the consortium to overcome previous challenges in solid-state battery development.
The project has also made progress in improving the battery’s performance, achieving a 3 hour charge rate and 100 cycle life. These advances bring solid-state batteries closer to commercial viability for use in electric vehicles.
As a next step, the consortium plans to focus on further upscaling of this promising battery technology. The SOLiDIFY project, funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program, is an important step towards creating a sustainable and competitive battery value chain in Europe.
Source: Empa News
