Advanced battery technology to power the future

TNO at Holst Centre deploys its expertise in thin-film technologies to create more advanced batteries with improved safety, charging density, charging times and lifespan. We explore ways to improve existing lithium-ion batteries and create innovative new 3D solid-state battery architectures.

Technology explained

Whether it’s mobility, communication or health care: the future is electric. And TNO at Holst Centre is developing new technology to overcome the drawbacks of the current batteries. Rechargeable lithiumbased batteries have huge potential: from enabling new generations of wearable and implantable devices to powering electric vehicles or balancing renewable energy supply and demand.

TNO at Holst Centre uses its thin-film expertise to enhance lithium battery performance in two ways. Firstly, our interfacial engineering improves the safety and lifespan of existing lithium-ion technologies. We can use spatial Atomic Layer Deposition (sALD) to optimise the interface between the electrodes and the electrolyte materials in many different battery designs and cell chemistries.

Secondly, we are pioneering a novel 3D solid-state architecture that combines safety, short charging times, high charge density and a longer lifespan. Here, too, the atomic-scale control of sALD allows us to create coatings on extremely high aspect-ratio 3D structures (100:1) that maximise the internal surface area while ensuring excellent layer thickness and homogeneity.

Societal benefits

Electrification is the way of the future, and with our improved battery technology we can accelerate this development to help reduce carbon emissions. The higher energy density and increased lifespan also mean batteries become more sustainable, supporting a greener, cleaner future.