Solid-state batteries that can be charged in just ten minutes: This is what Adden Energy, a spin-off from Harvard University, wants to boast about. The solid-state battery is said to last 6,000 cycles. Charging should be as fast as refueling with classic combustion engines, reports CleanTechnica. There is no cost information yet, but Adden Energy believes the long battery life will help make electric vehicles more affordable.
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Technology is designed to prevent dendrite growth
Solid-state batteries replace the liquid in a traditional lithium-ion battery with a polymer, high-tech ceramic or other solid material. Conducting lithium ions through a solid is a major challenge, but according to experts it pays off with a longer range and shorter charging times. Solid-state batteries are considered a potentially better alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which may dominate the electric car industry in the future.
Adden Energy is one of many solid-state battery innovators that have overcome the hurdle of ion movement. The young company has also found a solution to the problem of dendrite formation. Dendrites are tiny fern-like growths that form on the anodes of lithium-ion batteries. They affect battery performance and increase the risk of fire. It was once thought that dendrite growth was only a problem for liquid electrolyte batteries, but it can also hinder a solid-state battery.
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Adden Energy has already received millions in investments
There are various solutions to slow growth. The Adden Energy team claims to have found a way to stop it completely. To do this, they use micrometer-sized silicon particles in the anode to limit the lithium reaction and enable a homogeneous coating with a thick layer of lithium metal. These coated particles create a homogeneous surface on which the current density is evenly distributed. This prevents the growth of dendrites. Since coating and peeling can occur quickly on a uniform surface, the battery can be charged in just about ten minutes.
The new battery is still in the construction phase. In initial tests, it still retained around 80 percent of its capacity after 6,000 cycles. Adden Energy has already scaled the battery to the size of a smartphone. Adden received the exclusive technology license from Harvard University’s Office of Technology Development in 2022. The startup also secured $5.15 million in seed financing.
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Long service life should enable a cheaper price
Over the next three to five years, the spin-off aims to develop a full-size solid-state battery for electric vehicles. The long service life should enable a particularly affordable price. “Electric vehicles cannot remain a luxury if we are to make progress toward a clean energy future, and the U.S. will not have a used car market if electric vehicle batteries only last 3 to 5 years. The technology must be accessible to everyone. Extending the lifespan of the batteries, as we are doing here, is an important part of this,” said Xin Li, team leader at Adden Energy.