SOLIDBAT Partner Insights – CIC energiGUNE

As a key research partner in the SOLIDBAT project, CIC energiGUNE contributes to shaping the technological foundations of sustainable solid-state batteries. In this interview, the team shares how the SOLIDBAT concept was conceived, what differentiates it from other solid-state approaches, and how innovative materials, manufacturing-compatible processes, and high energy density targets are being combined to support Europe’s electric mobility ambitions.

• How was SOLIDBAT concept conceived?

The development of SOLIDBAT was built upon knowledge gained from a prior EU-funded collaborative project, where insights into material properties, battery design, and performance testing were leveraged to create a more effective and viable solid-state battery solution. In addition, the SOLIDBAT concept was conceived to address the challenges associated with the manufacturing of current lithium metal solid-state batteries.

• What are the key advantages proposed by SOLIDBAT compared to other solid-state technologies?

The SOLIDBAT concept prioritizes sustainability and cost-effectiveness in the selection of materials. This approach is coupled with predictive models to estimate battery performance, ensuring an optimal balance between environmental impact and efficiency. Moreover, SOLIDBAT emphasizes sustainability not only in the material selection but also in the manufacturing process. The use of aqueous binders and a dry electrolyte processing technique eliminates the need for organic solvents, reducing environmental impact and improving safety during production. These innovations combined, make SOLIDBAT a promising solution in the field of solid-state batteries, offering both high performance and sustainability compared to other technologies.

• What is the unique attribute of this consortium? (What makes SOLIDBAT different?)

The SOLIDBAT consortium stands out for its ability to bring together a diverse group of universities, research centers, and companies, all possessing the key knowledge required to drive the development of solid-state battery technology. It is a unique collaboration that covers the entire value chain, creating a well-coordinated and efficient mechanism to enhance the development of SOLIDBAT technology. Furthermore, a strong trust exists among the partners, forged through their collaboration in a predecessor project, ensuring a solid foundation for future success.

• How will SOLIDBAT meet the energy density requirements of >400 Wh/kg and 1000 Wh/L?

The key of SOLIDBAT project to meet the energy density requirements lies in the careful selection of its components. This includes the development of a finely tuned, thin, microstructured lithium metal anode, a highly conductive hybrid gel polymer electrolyte, and a high-capacity, high-loading cathode. In addition to these components, significant effort is being dedicated to the design of the prototype itself, ensuring that the overall architecture of the battery contributes to the success of SOLIDBAT technology and achieves the required energy density KPIs.

• How can SOLIDBAT batteries help position Europe in the race for electric vehicles?

In addition to exceeding the performance expectations of current lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), SOLIDBAT will tackle a key obstacle preventing the widespread adoption of solid-state technology by cell manufacturers: limitations in their production processes. To address this, SOLIDBAT’s manufacturing approach will be aligned with existing LIB technology, enabling a swift transition and large-scale production of the developed technology. All these advantages will help accelerate Europe´s competition with the Asian market in the electric vehicle industry.

• Which innovative concept will be developed by CICe within the SOLIDBAT project?

CICe has developed the core concept for the in situ polymerized hybrid gel polymer electrolyte and will take the lead in selecting the components, with the support of other material development partners within the consortium. Additionally, CICe will design new surface coatings for NMC-type cathode active materials and contribute to modeling activities at both the material and cell levels.