Revolutionary Fast-Charging Solid-State Batteries Developed by Harvard Researchers
Researchers affiliated with Harvard University have unveiled a groundbreaking solid-state battery technology capable of being recharged within a mere 10 minutes. With recent Series A funding secured, the company is set to advance its production capacity.
Funding to Accelerate Production of Advanced Battery Technology
As of October 23, Adden Energy has successfully raised $15 million in a Series A funding round led by At One Ventures, along with contributions from Primavera Capital Group, Rhapsody Venture Partners, and MassVentures. These funds are intended for scaling production as the company endeavors to deliver its innovative solid-state batteries to automobile manufacturers.
The new financial backing will help establish a roll-to-roll pilot line production facility located at Adden Energy’s headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts.
The firm has already showcased this novel battery technology in electric vehicle (EV)-compatible pouch cell formats. The newly funded production line aims to amplify battery sizes up to one hundred times greater than current models.
Laurie Menoud from At One Ventures remarked on the investment: “This endorsement reflects our acknowledgment of the critical nature of this technology and reinforces our belief in Adden Energy’s capability to capture market share by offering competitive unit economics. The incorporation of lithium metal anodes will reduce the cost per kilowatt hour by approximately 30%, significantly boosting adoption rates.”
Toward EV Parity: Projected Timeline and Goals
Adden Energy also anticipates that their cutting-edge batteries will achieve parity with internal combustion engine vehicles by the year 2028.
A Closer Look at Harvard’s Latest Battery Advancements
An update dated January 15, 2024 highlights how lithium metal batteries designed at Harvard’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences demonstrate an impressive lifespan—capable of being charged and discharged over 6,000 times; surpassing all currently available pouch cell batteries.
The findings reported in Nature Materials detail an innovative method for creating solid-state batteries featuring a lithium metal anode. Associate Professor Xin Li articulated that “Lithium metal anodes represent a significant breakthrough due to their tenfold capacity compared to standard graphite alternatives; they promise substantially enhanced driving ranges for electric cars.” He added that their work marks substantial progress toward practical applications involving solid-state batteries within industrial frameworks.
Tackling Dendrites: Key Challenges Overcome
A major obstacle when designing these advanced solid-state batteries lies in combatting dendrite formations on the surface of lithium anodes. These metallic projections can build up during charging processes and intrude into electrolytic layers—posing severe risks like short-circuiting or fire hazards.
“The emergence of dendrites occurs when lithium ions transfer from cathodes towards anodes during charging,” explained Li.” This can lead towards uneven surfaces which further facilitate faulty charge-discharge mechanisms.”
The structure built during previous research involved layering materials with varying stabilities between cathode and anode—to mitigate dendrite penetration effectively but not entirely eliminate it.
This latest study shifts paradigm by integrating micron-sized silicon particles within the design:
- This innovation helps guide consistent lithiation reactions beneath even surfaces while minimizing issues related specifically concerning uneven plating effects.”””
- Dendrite formations eliminated: By restricting space where ion attachment occurs while ensuring swift reactions unfold uniformly during both charge/discharge cycles.”
- “Our configuration allows surrounding conditions akin akin wrapping chocolate around nuts,” humorously stated Professor Li.
Here resides evidence supporting remarkable efficiency levels displayed through extensive performance analyses showcasing retention rates exceeding eighty percent across six thousand full-use cycles—outshining alternative brands prevalent today.
Furthermorexpected growth includes collaboration avenues strengthening mobilization efforts conducive sustainable environments remains pivotal indeed moving forward replicability essence most desirable endeavors sure face sustainable energy drive.
