SOLIDBAT Partner Insights - SCHOTT

As a global leader in advanced glass and ceramics, SCHOTT contributes its expertise in glass-ceramic solid electrolyte materials to the SOLIDBAT project. In this interview, SCHOTT explains how its nanoscale oxide-based solid electrolytes and customized particle suspensions are being adapted to improve interface compatibility, battery performance, and safety, while supporting the scalability of next-generation solid-state battery technologies in Europe.

1. Why did you join the SOLIDBAT project?

SCHOTT joined the SOLIDBAT project to contribute its expertise in glass-ceramic solid electrolyte materials to the development of next-generation lithium solid-state batteries and high-performance cells. The project offers a valuable opportunity to further refine and adapt SCHOTT’s materials to emerging cell concepts, while also exploring the scalability of its manufacturing processes. Collaboration with leading academic and industrial partners enhances the innovation potential and supports Europe’s strategic positioning in the future field of electric energy storage.

2. Which innovative concept will be developed by SCHOTT within SOLIDBAT?

SCHOTT is adapting its proprietary powder-based glass-ceramic solid electrolyte materials to meet the specific requirements for integration into hybrid gel polymer electrolytes used as separators, as well as for coating cathode active material particles. This involves tailoring the powder morphology—particularly achieving nanoscale particle sizes—and optimizing the chemical surface properties of the solid electrolyte particles. In addition to the conventional powder form, SCHOTT is expanding its product portfolio to include customized particle suspensions.

3. Which is your main exploitable result?

SCHOTT has successfully produced nanoscale solid electrolyte particles and developed stable dispersions in solvents specified by project partners, introducing a new product form. The chemical surface properties of SCHOTT’s glass-ceramic oxide-based solid electrolyte particles have been tuned to match the chemistry of the organic components forming the hybrid gel polymer electrolyte separator. This adjustment reduces the reactivity of the oxide materials with organic components, mitigating degradation risks. Overall, these advancements enhance the interface compatibility, potentially boosting the performance of the resulting cells and batteries.

4. How do you foresee the future development of ceramic materials for battery applications?

Ceramic materials are of critical importance for future battery technologies. Their inherent non-flammability significantly improves safety, while their rigidity and hardness contribute to enhanced mechanical stability of the cells. Moreover, ceramics support longer operational lifetimes through improved cycling stability and offer the potential for superior electrochemical performance overall.

5. How can SOLIDBAT’s batteries help position Europe in the race for electric vehicles?

If the ambitious goals of the SOLIDBAT project are achieved, it will result in cells and batteries with outstanding performance. At the same time, the project demonstrates the feasibility of scaling up the processes used to manufacture materials, components, cells, and final batteries. Together, these outcomes provide a strong foundation for the targeted and timely industrialization of the project’s results, thereby strengthening Europe’s competitive position in the global commercialization of solid-state batteries as next-generation energy storage solutions.