SBIR-STTR Award

Solid-state batteries can provide a step-change in energy density over the current Li-ion technology by enabling the metallic Li anode. Oxide based solid electrolytes are attractive due to their mechanical and chemical stability towards Li, but require high temperatures and extended sintering times. Zakuro's rapid densification technology has the potential to dramatically shorten sintering times for oxide based solid electrolytes and transition manufacturing to more closely align with well established Li-ion methods.

Solid-state batteries promise energy densities well beyond that of current Li-ion batteries while providing additional safety through the elimination of the flammable liquid electrolyte. Of the solid-electrolytes currently under development, Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) is attractive due to its inherent stability versus Li metal. One drawback for LLZO and any oxide electrolyte is the high temperatures required for densification. Zakuro’s proprietary densification technology allows for rapid production of thin electrolyte films suitable for electrochemical devices on a scalable manufacturing platform. The minimization of time and energy for sintering is expected to deliver the lowest cost path to solid-state battery manufacturing. In Phase II, densification will be scaled to relevant pre-pilot production areas and manufacturing speeds