BASF Partners with Leading Firms to Revolutionize Solid-State Battery Technology by 2024

On March 7, BASF, along with the Yangtze River Delta Physical Research Center and Beijing Weilan New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., signed a groundbreaking cooperation agreement to develop the next generation of solid-state battery packs. This initiative aims to integrate non-metal components designed with advanced materials solutions to enhance lightweight design, thermal management, and functionality.

The collaboration builds on the establishment of a joint research center in Liyang, Jiangsu Province, in July 2023, where BASF and the Yangtze River Delta Physical Research Center focused on battery and battery pack materials, emphasizing solid-state and sodium-ion batteries.

By April 10, 2024, the partnership showcased an innovative solid-state battery pack featuring over 20 advanced high-performance materials, such as Ultramid®, Elastoflex®, and Ultradur®. Key innovations include lightweight side cooling plates made from Ultramid materials and cylindrical battery supports utilizing Ultramid Expand polyamide pre-foamed granules. For thermal management, the top cover incorporates Ultramid composite materials, while heat-insulating gaskets utilize Elastoflex. Additionally, the side beams are filled with Elastan polyurethane, enhancing collision protection.

In the wake of the solid-state battery boom, various chemical giants are also innovating to commercialize this technology. Companies like Wanhua Chemical are developing low-cost sulfide electrolyte precursors, while DuPont is creating high-temperature polymer separator materials in collaboration with QuantumScape to optimize solid-state battery interfaces. Dow Chemical is focusing on cost-effective sulfide electrolytes to ease mass production challenges. LG Chem plans to launch automotive solid-state batteries with energy densities exceeding 500 Wh/kg by 2027, collaborating with Ibiden on sulfide electrolytes. Additionally, Idemitsu Kosan announced plans to build a large-scale lithium sulfide production facility in Chiba, Japan, to advance all-solid-state lithium-ion battery materials.

Other companies, such as ENJIE and Long阳 Technology, are making strides in lithium sulfide and polymer electrolyte production, indicating a robust interest in materials used for solid-state batteries. The focus on sulfide electrolytes has garnered attention from major players like CATL, BYD, and Toyota, as these materials are viewed as having the greatest advantages in solid-state applications.

Despite challenges such as high costs and technology maturity, the solid-state battery market is poised for significant growth. Industry experts predict that the first generation of solid-state batteries with sulfide electrolytes will enter mass production between 2025 and 2027. Key materials like Thio-LISICON and Li2SiP2S12 are at the forefront of this advancement.

While issues such as production scale and the cost of solid-state batteries remain obstacles, applications in cost-insensitive markets like aerospace, drones, and robotics are beginning to emerge. As the industry progresses, now is the time to enter this promising field.