TDK Boasts of a Hundredfold Boost in Energy Density for Its Next-Generation Solid-State Batteries

TDK has announced the development of a new material for solid-state batteries, which it says could deliver a two-orders-of-magnitude improvement in energy density over its current CeraCharge technology — and aims no lower than the complete replacement of coin cell batteries in wearables worldwide.

"Utilizing TDK's proprietary material technology, TDK has managed to develop a material for the new solid-state battery with a significantly higher energy density than TDK's conventional mass-produced solid-state batteries (Type: CeraCharge) due to the use of oxide-based solid electrolyte and lithium alloy anodes," the company explains. "The use of oxide-based solid electrolyte makes batteries extremely safe. It is intended for use in wearable and other devices that come in direct contact with the human body."

The new material was developed to replace TDK's existing ceramic CeraCharge solid-state battery technology, delivering all the current advantages over liquid-electrolyte batteries but with major gains in energy density. According to TDK's internal testing, the new material offers an energy density of 1,000 Watt-hours per liter (1,000Wh/L) — 100 times greater than its current CeraCharge offering.

The safety and bio-compatibility of the battery means TDK is targeting wearable applications, from hearing aids to smartwatches — and it hopes that the increased energy density will prove tempting for manufacturers looking to move away from single-use coin cell batteries to rechargeable alternatives, as mandated by recent European Union legislation.

"TDK will strive to develop the battery cells and package structure design and advance toward mass production, targeting the development of its new product, the solid-state battery," the company says — though it had not disclosed a roadmap to commercialization at the time of publication.