Open Competition 2 - Chemistry and Materials

Thin-Film Solid-State Battery, High-Rate Deposition Research

Sponsor: Excellatron Solid State, LLC

• Project Performance Period: 10/1/2001 - 9/30/2004
• Total project (est.): $2,231,032.00
• Requested ATP funds: $1,444,380.00

Because of their high energy density, and the fact that they can be manufactured in different and complex shapes, thin-film solid-state batteries have potential for many applications in medical devices or as energy storage devices for electronic equipment such as wireless communications equipment or sensors. The economics of today's thin-film batteries is limited by lengthy production process. Using a technique called magnetron sputtering and a process developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, thin-film battery materials are deposited onto substrates -- but at a slow rate. The development of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technology should allow the deposition rate to be increased by at least a factor of three. In a three-year project, Excellatron Solid State plans to develop the optimum PECVD methodology for direct deposition of carbonaceous anodes, lithium-containing cathodes and electrolytes. Success in the ultimate goal -- developing a robust, high-rate manufacturing process for thin-film batteries -- would allow markedly increased production with no increase in equipment costs, allowing the company to deliver batteries at an economically attractive unit price. Commercializing the thin-film, solid-state battery technology will allow the United States to establish a foothold in rechargeable battery technology, a world-wide market estimated to be in excess of $5 billion. These batteries would also enable new products that rely on small, thin-film batteries integrated into electronic devices.

For project information:

Jacobus Boers, (770) 438-2201
jacobus@excellatron.com

ATP Project Manager

Richard Bartholomew, (301) 975-4786
richard.bartholomew@nist.gov