Page 42 - EE Times Europe Magazine – November 2023

42 EE|Times EUROPE

GREENER ELECTRONICS | ENERGY STORAGE
Unveiling Trends and Insights in Solid-State

Battery Technology

By Xiaoxi He, IDTechEx

ince their invention in the 1990s, lithium-ion batteries have seamlessly cycle life, higher durability, wider operating
integrated into our daily lives, boasting advantages like lightweight temperature range, close stacking, simplified
battery design, possible flexible mechanical
design, compact dimensions, extended lifespan and impressive energy features and much more. For instance, SSEs
Sdensity. The typical Li-ion cell core structure comprises a graphite anode can be compatible with high-voltage–cathode
materials and high-capacity lithium metal
and a layered oxide cathode, coated onto current collectors and separated by a anode. It is possible to push the energy den-
separator soaked in organic liquid electrolyte. Available in pouch, prismatic or sity beyond 1,000 Wh/L.
cylindrical configurations, these cells collectively shape Li-ion battery packs, The conventional manufacturing of Li-ion
batteries has traditionally been dominated by
acting as a foundation for numerous applications. East Asian countries, with notable contri-
butions from Japan, China and South Korea.
The comparatively high performance, low organic liquid electrolyte with a sol- However, a significant shift is under way as
cost and wide availability make Li-ion bat- id-state electrolyte (SSE), thus, in principle, the U.S. and various European nations are
teries preeminent energy storage technology enabling safer, long-lasting batteries. SSEs competing in the race, effectively redirecting
for a wide range of applications, from elec- can also pair with other cathode and anode the creation of added value away from East
tronic devices and electric vehicles to sizable materials that are not used in conventional Asia, with a strategic emphasis on establish-
stationary energy storage systems. Given Li-ion batteries. Although Li-ion-based ing battery manufacturing facilities closer to
their prominent position, it is unlikely that SSBs would yield the highest performance, the application markets.
Li-ion batteries will be superseded within not all SSBs are necessarily based on Li-ion This evolving landscape is marked by the
the next 10 years. Nevertheless, due to their chemistry. exploration of new materials and com-
performance limitations, and environmental ponents, as well as the reevaluation of
and supply chain concerns, developments WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT SSBs? manufacturing processes. These provide
and innovations continue to be made for There are a few battery “KPIs” we should a potential to reshuffle the battery supply
next-generation battery technologies. consider when adopting them in various use chain. From both a technological and a busi-
Solid-state batteries (SSBs) were pro- cases. SSBs are considered the “holy grail” ness perspective, the development of SSBs
posed as one of the solutions. Put simply, a due to many expected advantages, such as has emerged as part of the next-generation
solid-state battery replaces the flammable better safety, higher energy density, longer battery strategy. It has evolved into a global

IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK

NOVEMBER 2023 | www.eetimes.eu