solid state batteries from TDK

Basic details about the new product

We are talking about a new material for solid-state batteries developed by TDK. It can significantly improve the performance of devices such as wireless headphones, hearing aids and smart watches. In TDK claimthat the new material provides an energy density of 1000 Wh/L – about 100 times more than all other solid-state battery models.

The manufacturer notes that the technology can be used in devices that are in direct contact with the human body. The new batteries will be made from ceramic material. The electrolyte is an oxide-based solid, while the anodes are made from a lithium alloy. These components provide high safety and effectiveness. The solid electrolyte prevents leaks and corrosion, and the lithium alloy increases energy density.

Benefits of TDK batteries

The company says the oxide solid electrolytes make the batteries “extremely safe.” The materials are resistant to overheating and leakage.

Oxide electrolytes are more stable and not subject to decomposition.

Due to their smaller size, the batteries can be used in compact devices. For example, in wireless headphones, hearing aids and smart watches. In other words, in any device where every millimeter of space counts.

The increased capacity ensures longer operating time of the device without frequent recharging.

TDK Corporation plans to begin production of new solid-state batteries under the CeraCharge brand. The production process will

include

developing the design of batteries and packages, as well as improving battery capacity using multilayer lamination.

Unfortunately, the exact dates for the start of production and sales have not yet been officially announced. But we are talking about ready-made technology, which the company plans to introduce into the real production cycle.

Safety first

Devices with batteries from TDK will have maximum safe for use thanks to the oxide solid electrolyte. They do not contain liquid components that could leak or evaporate. Fire risks minimal, unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolyte. The latter rarely ignite, and they are also extremely difficult to extinguish. But solid oxide electrolytes are also more resistant to high temperatures.

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In addition, solid-state batteries with oxide electrolytes significantly reduce the risk of formation of dendrites – needle-like growths of lithium, which can also lead to a short circuit and fire. In traditional lithium-ion batteries, dendrites can puncture the separators and pose a hazard to humans.

TDK's goal is to use new technology to replace existing coin-cell batteries that power portable devices. Moreover, new batteries are already correspond EU regulations requiring the replacement of primary batteries with rechargeable ones. This helps reduce environmental impact.

Not only TDK

There are other developments. Professor Sojin Park from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and his team spent research, the results of which were published on February 15, 2024 in the journal Small. Professor Park's team has developed a method for creating stable solid-state batteries using ultra-thin lithium anodes. These batteries have demonstrated stable electromechanical performance, which significantly improves the safety and durability of devices from digital watches to electric vehicles.

Scientists from the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) led by Professor Lee created a multilayer battery that prevents the formation of dendrites—lithium growths that can reduce the efficiency and safety of batteries. Multilayer battery technology means that different materials with varying stability are placed between the anode and cathode.

Batteries created using this technology can be charged in just 10 minutes and retain 80% of their capacity after 6,000 charge-discharge cycles. This significantly exceeds the performance of traditional lithium-ion batteries. The scientists' technology has been licensed by Harvard startup Adden Energy for commercial use. Adden Energy is already working to scale the technology and create batteries for electronic devices.

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It's not just scientists who are working on improving solid-state batteries. Toyota has been developing solid-state battery technology for electric vehicles for several years, trying to increase range up to 1200 km and reduce charging time to 10 minutes. Mass production is planned to begin in 2027.

South Korea's Samsung SDI is not far behind. Company presented its roadmap for mass production of solid-state batteries aimed at achieving high energy densities of up to 900 Wh/L. Samsung SDI plans to start production in the coming years.

Also working on solid-state batteries are the Taiwanese company ProLogium, the German automaker Volkswagen, the Dutch startup LionVolt and others. They all recognize the significant potential of solid-state batteries to improve performance, safety and durability for both wearable devices and electric vehicles. Probably, whoever can enter the market first will be the winner in this race.