Prospects on large-scale manufacturing of solid-state batteries

Widespread deployment of solid state batteries requires facile, high-throughput coating processes. Solid state batteries that utilize energy dense anodes may have similar manufacturing costs as traditional lithium ion batteries. Widespread deployment of renewable energy and electrification of transportation are necessary to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. All solid-state batteries that employ a solid electrolyte, instead of a liquid electrolyte, are well suited for energy dense anodes (e.g., Li metal, Si, etc.) and may be capable of extending the current driving range of an electric vehicles by nearly 2 x. However, to achieve giga-scale capacities relevant to the EV market large-scale manufacturing approaches are necessary. Solid-state batteries are likely to adopt coating techniques and processing approaches similar to solid oxide fuel cells and conventional battery systems. While control over microstructure, interfaces, and thickness are paramount for achieving long lifetimes, processing speed governs cost and scalability. This perspective highlights the state-of-the-art for solid-state battery manufacturing approaches and highlights the importance of utilizing conventional battery manufacturing approaches for achieving price parity in the near term. Decreasing material costs and improving cell architecture (biploar) may further decrease manufacturing costs.

Automated summary

In order to achieve cost efficiency in solid-state battery manufacturing, it is essential to have facile and efficient coating processes as well as large-scale manufacturing approaches. Solid-state batteries utilizing solid electrolytes offer extended driving range, but market potential will require successful scaling methods.