#Solid-StateBatteries

[thxnews]

ION Solid State Battery Beats Extreme Heat

In an age where technological innovation is often met with cautious optimism, the announcement from ION Storage Systems (ION) sparks genuine excitement. The Maryland-based trailblazer in battery technology, in collaboration with the US Army Research Laboratory (ARL), has achieved what could be described as a giant leap for battery-kind. Their latest solid-state batteries (SSBs) have shown remarkable resilience and performance under conditions that would typically spell doom for traditional batteries.  

A Breakthrough in Battery Performance

At the heart of this innovation is ION's anodeless SSB, capable of operating efficiently at both room and extreme temperatures without the need for compression. This isn't just a minor improvement; it's a paradigm shift. Traditional batteries, as we've begrudgingly accepted, suffer in silence under the sweltering heat, their lifespans dramatically shortened and their risks heightened. But here comes ION, casually dismissing these age-old limitations with technology that thrives under pressure—or more accurately, temperature.  

Temperature's Tight Grip Loosened

The importance of this development cannot be overstated. Temperature has long been the Achilles' heel of battery technology. High heat accelerates degradation, compromises safety, and has led to an entire industry of cooling solutions and management systems. But imagine a battery landscape free from the clutches of temperature's tyranny. ION's SSB proposes just that, offering a solution that could extend the longevity, safety, and performance of batteries across a spectrum of applications.  

From Defense to Daily Use

What's particularly exciting is the breadth of potential applications for ION's SSBs. From the high demands of defense and aerospace to the everyday needs of consumer electronics and electric vehicles, these batteries promise to deliver unparalleled performance and safety. The collaboration with Saint-Gobain Ceramics for GWh-scale manufacturing underscores the seriousness of ION's commitment to revolutionizing the battery market.  

The Journey Ahead

The implications of this technological leap are vast. For electric vehicles, it could mean more reliable and longer-lasting batteries that charge faster and perform better in hot climates. For consumer electronics, we're looking at devices that can endure more without the risk of overheating. And on a larger scale, the potential for safer, more efficient grid storage solutions could help pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.   A Promise of a Cooler Tomorrow The old adage "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" no longer applies in the world of battery technology, thanks to ION's groundbreaking work. This innovation not only promises a cooler tomorrow but also a safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting one. As we look to the future, the potential for these solid-state batteries to power our world in ways we've only dreamed of is not just exciting—it's electrifying. In the grand tapestry of technological advancements, ION Storage Systems' achievement stands out as a vivid thread, weaving a future where batteries are no longer the weakest link in our devices but their most resilient feature. Here's to hoping this is just the beginning of a journey that takes us further than we ever imagined.   Sources: THX News & ION Storage Systems. Read the full article

[autochina]

Cooperating with ProLogium, NIO To Push Solid-State Battery New Energy Vehicle #NIO #ProLogium #Solid-StateBattery #WEILAI Based on the advantages of safety and energy density, solid-state batteries are recognized as the main direction of the future development of power batteries, it is also the layout focus of new energy vehicle companies. On August 22, NIO signed a strategic cooperation agreement with ProLogium Technology, the two parties will jointly build a prototype vehicle using the ProLogium MAB solid-state battery pack and further cooperate on the production and application of solid-state batteries. ProLogium Technology High Voltage Lithium Ceramic Battery In recent years, many automakers have revealed plans to build electric vehicles based on solid-state batteries. For example, "Fisker… Link: https://ift.tt/2P8I1dr — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/2zu7kwd

[automaticbouquetchaos]

MIT professor wins VW/BASF electrochemistry award for solid-statebattery research

[thxnews]

Yaroslav Romanyuk: Empa's Trailblazer Redefining Thin Films

  From Ukraine to Switzerland: A Postcard Moment Shapes a Career

In the world of cutting-edge thin-film technologies, Yaroslav Romanyuk stands at the forefront. For over 15 years, Romanyuk has been a driving force at Empa, focusing on advancements in solar cells, printed circuits, solid-state batteries, and more. Since July, he has assumed the role of heading the Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, steering his team towards ambitious goals – from groundbreaking materials to launching a startup and integrating artificial intelligence into future experiments.   A Career Forged in Switzerland Romanyuk's journey to Switzerland wasn't predestined. He could have chosen Germany, the US, Poland, or even his home country, Ukraine. However, a pivotal moment occurred in 2002 when he traveled to Lausanne for a doctoral interview at EPFL. The picturesque Swiss landscape, with its vineyards overlooking Lac Léman, won him over. Switzerland became the stage for Romanyuk's career, which began in Zurich in 2008 at Empa, collaborating with lab head Ayodhya Tiwari on solar cell research.  

Collaboration Breeds Innovation

Romanyuk acknowledges the importance of collaboration, emphasizing the unforeseen discoveries that emerge when teams work enthusiastically together. His passion for thin films and novel material combinations, developed during his postdoc at the University of California at Berkeley, fuels his pursuit of groundbreaking advancements. While some projects, like transparent security films for invisible "locks," are targeted, others, such as those related to solid-state batteries, unfold unexpectedly.   Nurturing Future Leaders A testament to Romanyuk's impact is the more than 40 diploma and doctoral theses he has mentored, with many graduates now holding leadership positions in Swiss high-tech companies. For him, witnessing their development is the most rewarding aspect, driven by trust, patience, and the understanding that failures often pave the way for crucial progress.  

BTRY - A Venture into Solid-State Battery Start-up

Romanyuk takes pride in the entrepreneurial spirit of his colleagues Moritz Futscher and Abdessalem Aribia, who founded BTRY. The startup aims to develop lithium-ion solid-state batteries, leveraging the quick charge transport in thin-film batteries. Romanyuk envisions stacking multiple cells to create powerful, fast-charging batteries that are safer and more robust than current options. Although the technology is in its infancy, the team has patented its approach and is actively seeking investors for further development.   The Path to Faster, Safer Batteries While acknowledging the challenges, Romanyuk believes in the potential of their battery technology. Despite the higher manufacturing costs, he sees the appeal, especially in applications like aviation. The prospect of reducing charging time to less than a minute could outweigh the additional cost, making it an attractive choice for consumers, he suggests.  

Balancing Act - Managing Innovation and Coordination

Romanyuk's role involves a delicate balance of managing diverse technologies, handling numerous emails, and engaging in constant research proposals. The transition to a leadership role brings more managerial responsibilities and a demanding workload. However, Romanyuk draws strength from his early experiences, recalling his first job's physical demands at Volyn National University in Ukraine, where he controlled a furnace for semiconductor crystals.   Digital Twins and the Future of Efficiency Looking ahead, Romanyuk envisions a more efficient future through the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence. The development of digital twins for batteries or solar cells before actual manufacturing could revolutionize the industry, reducing production cycles and saving time and energy. Empa, with its state-of-the-art Coating Competence Center, aims to lead the charge in this technological shift.  

Work-Life Balance and Rewards

Outside the lab, Romanyuk finds compensation in activities that rejuvenate him physically and mentally. Whether swimming, running, or biking six kilometers to work, he values the Swiss outdoors. Engaging in nature conservation activities with his two sons, Marco and Taras, provides a different perspective. A recent mishap involving a wasp nest, though painful, exemplifies Romanyuk's spirit of curiosity and the resilience that comes with it.   A Scientist with a Passion for Nature Romanyuk's commitment extends beyond the lab, involving activities with the nature conservation association in Fällanden. Bird watching, nest building, and fostering curiosity in his sons reflect his dedication to preserving the environment.  

Yaroslav Romanyuk's Impact on Empa's Future

In summary, Yaroslav Romanyuk's journey from Ukraine to Switzerland has been marked by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to shaping the future of thin-film technologies. As he leads Empa's Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, his focus on groundbreaking materials, entrepreneurial ventures, and the integration of AI promises a future where sustainable solutions thrive. With BTRY's venture into solid-state batteries and the adoption of digital twins, Romanyuk and his team aim to propel Empa to new heights in the realm of innovative research and development.   Sources: THX News & Swiss Government. Read the full article