Factorial Energy: Transformational Semi-Solid-State Technology

Autoren

R. Koerver - Factorial Energy

Zusammenfassung

As vehicle electrification advances, the need for high-energy, high-power energy storage solutions increases. Future lithium-ion batteries may not be able to meet these requirements, especially since their energy density is limited by the given electrode configuration, in particular by the graphite anode. On top of this, safety concerns arise for such high energy systems, as the liquid, organic electrolyte is potentially flammable. To counter such concerns, next generation batteries are intended to employ solid or semi-solid electrolytes (SEs). Those novel electrolytes possess higher thermal stability, thus increasing battery safety. At the same time, the use of lithium metal would significantly increase the cell energy density, while simultaneously allow for fast charging times. As the prerequisite technologies for the practical solid-state batteries (SSBs) are reported and developed at a quicker pace, their commercialization looks very promising. However, there are still problems to be solved when manufacturing at scale. In general, SSBs using inorganic SEs are more difficult for mass production rather than SSBs using polymer-based and/or semi-solid electrolytes. Factorial Energy is one of the frontrunners in the field of semi-solid electrolytes. Due to the semi-solid nature of the electrolyte, the cells have shown to perform well at ambient conditions unlike many other solid-state batteries which require elevated temperature operation. The successful demonstration of high performance semi-solid state batteries has allowed Factorial Energy to enter into joint development programs with three major OEMs, Mercedes Benz, Stellantis and Hyundai Motor Corporation. The deep collaboration is expected to help to accelerate the commercialization of next generation batteries.