Japan is about to trade solid-state batteries, smaller than fingertips, safer than li-ion batteries

Li-ion batteries in billions of devices currently in operation worldwide have revealed many shortcomings. Commercialized since 1991 thanks to Sony, the li-ion battery technology has gradually become unable to meet the fast changing world and is at risk of being replaced. Among the many energy storage technologies, solid-state batteries are emerging as the brightest "winners" .

TDK , a Japanese company specializing in the supply of electronic components, is very enthusiastic in pioneering the production of solid batteries . They have successfully developed very small batteries, smaller than the human fingertips, with up to 1,000 times the rechargeable capacity. With the advantage of power storage better than li-ion battery, just shrink the area without reducing too much energy storage level, and safer than limiting explosion. The reason is that solid batteries do not use electrolyte solutions such as li-ion battery technology.

TDK promises to trade solid-state batteries that are smaller than the fingertips, charging up to 1,000 times.

The representative of the land of the rising sun began to deliver samples to partners, as well as preparing to build facilities to go to mass production. They expect new technologies to find their way into consumer electronics, offices, and factories such as air conditioners and lights. For example, providing energy for sensors in air conditioners, replacing alkaline coin cells.

While Toyota, Volkswagen, Chinese companies such as CATL, BYD and South Korea such as Samsung SDI and LG Chem are still struggling to trade solid-state batteries in cars, TDK has been quick to attack. electronic device. If they succeed, with a small area and a safety factor placed first, solid-state batteries will be truly revolutionary throughout today's electronics industry. Computers, smart phones, smart watches, . There are dozens of technology products that are currently complained about the time of insecure use, or the risk of fire and explosion as school HP laptop or flagship Galaxy Note 7 from Samsung.

And yet, Japan holds the advantage of pioneering technology and TDK is not the only name. Taiyo Yuden is looking forward to being able to supply batteries just a few centimeters larger for smartwatch by 2020. Murata Manufacturing (which has acquired a part of Sony's battery parts) is also developing a thin, thick version only 50 microns cater for future smart wearable devices, like smart contact lenses.

Meanwhile, although there is often no advantage of technology, China and South Korea often "overturn the world" thanks to abundant investment, large production capacity and defeating Japanese rivals. by price war. Sony has pioneered the production of li-ion batteries, but has since succumbed to price competition. Panasonic used to be the world's largest supplier of electric car batteries, but was surpassed by CATL (China) in 2017.

With the solid-state battery finding its place in the era of connected devices, always "craving" longer battery life with a lot of sensors, Japan expects to be a leader once. Also, before the other two rivals touch the mass production technology.