Source: ImecSubstitution of a solid for a wet electrolyte proved key to designing a solid-state lithium-metal battery with an energy density of 400 Wh/liter. The solid nanocomposite electrolyte developed by Belgian research institute Imec features conductivity up to 10 millisiemens/centimeter (mS/cm) and is solidified after it is applied to electrodes in a wet chemical coating process.

The high energy density battery cell developed with partners Energyville and University of Hasselt is based on a standard lithium iron phosphate cathode and lithium metal anode and demonstrates a charging speed of 0.5° C (two hours). The research target is to surpass wet lithium-ion battery performance by attaining densities over 1,000 Wh/liter at 2° C to 3° C in less than 30 minutes by 2024.

Prototype pouch cells up to 5 amp hours (Ah) capacity will be manufactured at a new 300 square meter battery assembly pilot line in preparation for scale-up to commercially relevant lines.