Japan’s TDK has announced a significant advancement in materials for small solid-state batteries, according to the Financial Times.
This new development promises substantial performance improvements for devices like wireless headphones and smartwatches.
The new material achieves an energy density of 1,000 watt-hours per litre, about 100 times greater than TDK’s current production batteries, the paper said.
Apple supplier TDK's new battery features an all-ceramic material, using oxide-based solid electrolytes and lithium alloy anodes, the FT article said.
This technology allows for smaller devices with longer operating times and enhanced safety due to the stability of the oxide material. The batteries are intended for use in small electronics, replacing existing coin-shaped batteries.
Solid-state batteries are safer, lighter, and potentially cheaper than current liquid electrolyte batteries, offering longer performance and faster charging. However, larger batteries pose technical challenges due to fragility, making their use in smartphones or cars unlikely soon.
Despite these hurdles, industry experts see potential in electric vehicles, with Japanese companies like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda aiming for commercial production by the late 2020s. TDK plans to ship samples of its new battery prototype next year, moving towards mass production thereafter.