Key Takeaways
1. Ganfeng Lithium has developed a battery with 95% solid electrolyte and an energy density of 650 Wh/kg, surpassing competitors’ upcoming solid-state batteries.
2. The company supplies nearly half of the global lithium market and 70% in China, focusing on innovation in battery technology.
3. Ganfeng’s new battery retains a small amount of liquid electrolyte for cost efficiency and compatibility while using lithium electrode alloys to boost energy capacity.
4. Overcoming challenges in lithium alloy preparation has led to improved mechanical properties and production reliability in their new battery.
5. The battery is classified as a hybrid solid-liquid type and is initially aimed at drones and robots, with potential applications in electric vehicles.
Ganfeng Lithium, the biggest supplier of lithium metal in the world, has successfully developed a battery that contains 95% solid electrolyte, boasting an energy density that surpasses that of the initial generation of solid-state batteries introduced by companies like Toyota and Samsung.
Ganfeng’s Dominance in Lithium Supply
Ganfeng supplies almost half of the global lithium market and controls 70% of the market in China. The company is always looking for new ways to innovate, including experimenting with different applications, electrode alloys, and electrolyte compositions.
Breakthrough in Battery Technology
By utilizing a groundbreaking lithium alloy, Ganfeng has started mass production of the first battery cells that incorporate 95% solid-state electrolyte, achieving an impressive 650 Wh/kg energy density. In comparison, Toyota, Samsung, and others are expected to launch their commercial solid-state battery products in 2027, aiming for an energy density of 500 Wh/kg, which was once believed to be the highest possible with this technology.
Ganfeng believes that a solid-state electrolyte alone isn’t the ultimate solution for achieving high energy densities. The common sulfide-based technology can double the density of current EV batteries, but it risks forming dendrites if pushed too high. In their new 650 Wh/kg battery, Ganfeng retained a small amount of liquid electrolyte to maintain cost-efficiency and compatibility with existing production systems while concentrating on lithium electrode alloys for increased energy capacity.
Overcoming Challenges in Lithium Alloy Preparation
There are several significant hurdles that must be addressed when preparing lithium alloys. For one, lithium has a low density, and the elements used in alloying tend to settle, which can create compositional inconsistencies that might lead to a hard second phase, potentially damaging the separator or causing cracks during processing. Additionally, the melting point of the alloy is higher, complicating the melting process. Thanks to advancements in equipment and methods, Ganfeng has achieved uniform alloying and unexpected enhancements in mechanical properties—the alloy’s tensile strength, hardness, and Young’s modulus are all better than pure lithium, greatly reducing the issues related to band breakage during processing and improving production reliability.
Consequently, the lithium alloy used in the electrodes of the new 650 Wh/kg battery shows a critical current density (CCD) of 50 mA/cm² at a deposition rate of 1 mAh/cm². Under normal manufacturing conditions with a deposition rate of 3 mAh/cm², the CCD stays above 10 mA/cm² and can even reach 12.6 mA/cm², allowing the battery to charge at 3C speeds within just 20 minutes.
Classification as Hybrid Solid-Liquid Battery
According to the initial performance and classification standards for solid-state batteries, this new battery would be categorized as a hybrid solid-liquid type, since it still includes some liquid electrolyte. However, it surpasses energy densities of solid-state batteries, except for those still in the prototype phase. The hybrid solid-liquid battery technology is seen as a practical interim solution by CATL, while manufacturers strive to lower costs and extend the lifespan of solid-state batteries.
Ganfeng’s 650 Wh/kg battery, featuring a hybrid solid-liquid electrolyte, is initially targeted for uses in drones and humanoid robots, where high energy density is crucial, eventually making its way into electric vehicles. Volkswagen’s partner in China, the FAW Group, recently announced that it is testing an electric sedan with hybrid battery technology that offers 500 Wh/kg energy density, showing that the hybrid electrolyte route is becoming increasingly viable.
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