Batteries

Batteries are essential to the transition from fossil fueled energy to sustainable energy sources. How can we make batteries as efficient and as low-cost as the fuel sources we are used to? Let us introduce what spatial ALD can contribute.  

Fast charging Li-ion batteries with longer lifetime 

In current Li-ion batteries, the solid-electrolyte interface that facilitates fast charging at high voltages and high currents, is also impacted by these same high voltages and currents. Up until now, fast charging leads to degrading of the interface. It negatively impacts not only the lifetime of the battery, but also imposes safety concerns due to temperature rises during charging. 

With spatial ALD thin films, an extremely stable and chemically inert solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) can be made. Fast charging without compromising lifetime and safety of the battery is a promise you can hold us up to. 

Solid State Batteries with solid conductivity 

Solid State Batteries are the future of battery technology, but there are still some issues to be solved. Especially when it comes to achieving good contact between electrolyte and electrode, providing defect-free buffer layers for lithium metal anodes or creating a stable SEI on materials that undergo large volumetric changes during cycling, such as silicon. 

Spatial ALD coatings are conformal, even on porous or high aspect ratio electrodes, thanks to the self-limiting characteristics of the process. With spatial ALD, you will get good conductivity contact between components, with a coating that remains flexible and ‘elastic’. Coatings made with spatial ALD don’t break when the volume increases and are defect free, minimizing risk of dendrites and short circuiting. This enables the use of new materials in the different battery components, like anodes and cathodes and membranes.  

How spatial ALD benefits batteries

Enhanced performance and longevity 

Spatial ALD allows for the precise deposition of thin films and coatings on high aspect ratio electrodes in 3D battery architectures. This results in better conductivity, increased surface area, and controlled ion transport, leading to improved battery performance and longevity. 

Improved stability 

A spatial ALD layer can be used in a Li-ion battery as a buffer layer, holding the lithium electrolytes together – even under high voltages and currents.  

Increased safety and reliability 

Solid State Batteries have a lithium metal that is very sensitive to handle, as it highly reacts with water or oxygen. Adding nanocoating with spatial ALD protects the lithium metal, making it much easier, faster and cheaper to handle.