Key Findings
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced funding as part of the AMMMTO Battery Manufacturing Lab Call, aimed at accelerating the development of next-generation all-solid-state battery (SSB) technology. The focus is on projects developing high-energy-density (exceeding 400 Wh/kg) and large-area (exceeding 1Ah) SSBs through dry process electrode manufacturing. Selected teams, including Solid Power and SkyNano, aim to scale up these SSBs from current button-cell levels to larger cells suitable for practical applications.
Technical Details
- **All-Solid-State Battery (SSB) Technology**: SSBs, which use solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, are considered the ultimate form of next-generation batteries, promising superior safety, higher energy density, and longer lifespans. They hold the potential to significantly extend EV range and increase the flexibility of stationary energy storage system installations.
- **Dry Process Electrode Manufacturing**: This technology eliminates the use of solvents typically required in conventional wet electrode manufacturing processes. This leads to substantial reductions in manufacturing costs, energy consumption, and environmental impact. The dry process is considered a critical key to overcoming the cost and scalability challenges in SSB production.
- **Target Performance**: The funded projects aim to achieve SSBs with energy densities exceeding 400 Wh/kg. This target significantly surpasses the performance of existing high-performance lithium-ion batteries, promising a revolutionary leap in EV capabilities. Furthermore, the goal is to scale SSBs from predominantly small button cells to large-capacity cells exceeding 1Ah.
- **Participating Companies/Institutions**: Solid Power is known for its development of solid electrolytes and related technologies. SkyNano, a company that manufactures advanced materials such as carbon nanotubes, is expected to contribute to improving SSB performance. Diverse teams, including these companies, are collaborating to address technical challenges.
Background and Industry Context
With the rapid expansion of the electric vehicle (EV) market and accelerated integration of renewable energy, demand for high-performance, safe, and low-cost batteries has never been higher. All-solid-state batteries hold the potential to surpass the limitations of existing lithium-ion batteries, but their manufacturing cost and difficulty in mass production have been major barriers. Dry electrode manufacturing technology is expected to be a critical breakthrough for resolving these mass production challenges, making SSBs commercially viable. The U.S. is strategically investing in these innovative technologies to strengthen its domestic battery supply chain and establish leadership in clean energy technologies.
Strategic Significance and Outlook
This DOE funding will significantly accelerate SSB R&D and manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. If dry process-enabled SSB scale-up succeeds, it is expected to establish new industry standards for EV safety and performance, making more affordable and higher-performing batteries available for a wide range of applications. This represents a crucial step in enhancing U.S. energy security and further accelerating the transition to a clean energy economy.
Source: https://www.energy.gov/cmei/ammto/funding-selections-fy23-ammto-battery-manufacturing-lab-call
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