solid-state

Lithium-ion battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) has broken ground on an innovation laboratory at its headquarters in Ningde, east China's Fujian Province.

The 21C Lab— named to represent its aspiration to lead innovation trends in the 21st century— marks the start of the company's exploration into developing next-generation electrochemical energy storage systems and new energy conversion systems.

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a thin film, highly conductive solid-state electrolyte made of a polymer and ceramic-based composite for lithium metal batteries. 

The electrolyte’s novel design is a three-dimensional interconnected structure that can provide mechanical robustness and high lithium ionic conductivity at room temperature.

Image: A thin film solid-state electrolyte with a three-dimensionally interconnected structure was fabricated by ORNL researchers. The structure increased conductivity through the ceramic base. Credit: Xi Chen/Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Taiwanese solid-state lithium ceramic battery developer ProLogium Technology has raised around $100 million in Series D financing from Chinese investors, reports China Money Network.

ProLogium will use the money from BOCG (Bank of China Group) Investment and FAW First Automobile Works) Group to commercialise and scale-up manufacturing of its technology.

Nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a four-point plan to speed the commercialisation of solid-state batteries.

The researchers focused on inorganic solid electrolytes such as ceramic oxides or sulfide glasses. 

Canadian power utility Hydro-Québec has signed an agreement to use solid-state lithium-ion battery patents developed by the joint winner of the 2019 Nobel Laureate in chemistry, John Goodenough.

The patents relate to an electrolyte to be used in solid-state lithium batteries and were co-invented by The University of Texas at Austin’s professor Goodenough and Dr. Maria Helena Braga, an associate professor at the University of Porto, Portugal.