Imec and partner EnergyVille have fabricated a unique type of solid-state Li-ion battery achieving an energy density of 200 Wh/liter at a charging speed of 0.5C (2 hours). Target applications include extending the range of electric vehicles (EVs).
According to Imec, the future of mobility will be largely electrical, powered by fast-charging, safe, and compact batteries. Today’s rechargeable Li-ion batteries have some room for improvement, but not enough to allow vehicles sufficient range and autonomy. Imec’s researchers are working on a next generation of batteries, replacing the wet electrolyte with a solid, to increase the energy density of the cell.
Recently, imec developed a solid nanocomposite electrolyte with an exceptionally high conductivity of up to 10 ms/cm and with a potential to increase this even further. In a prototype battery, the electrolyte was applied into the battery cell as a liquid precursor, and solidified afterwards. The prototype achieved a volumetric energy density of 200 Wh/liter at a charging speed of 0.5C (2 hours).
To further improve the battery performance, imec is considering combining nanoparticle electrodes with its solid nanocomposite electrolyte. The company uses ultra-thin coatings as so-called buffer layers to control the interface between the active electrode and electrolyte. This technology can also be used to improve the performance of standard liquid cells and even for all-solid-state batteries with pressed and sintered inorganic electrolytes. For more info, visit Imec.