Ultra-thin membrane formed directly on electrodes
—Achieving both high input/output power and capacity
The conventional cell structure uses a separator to provide electrical insulation between the cathode and anode. In contrast, the surface of the new skin-coated electrode is coated with a nanofiber membrane. The ultra-thin insulating membrane makes it possible to minimize the distance between the cathode and anode. Increasing the porosity and thus the ion conductivity of the nanofiber membrane reduces internal electrical resistance, enhancing the input/output performance. In addition, since reducing the thickness of the insulating layer helps increase the battery capacity, the skin-coated electrode improves both input/output power and capacity.
Applying electrospinning, a nanofiber production technology, to SCiB™
Electrospinning, a nanofiber membrane production technology, is used for the production of the skin-coated electrode. Electrospinning applies high voltage to a polymer solution to spin yarn. This technology is suitable for the formation of insulating layer for batteries since it allows for ions to move smoothly in electrolyte solution while maintaining the inherent properties of the material such as heat resistance and electrical insulation.
Enhancing the performance of SCiB™ while maintaining its long life and safety
The skin-coated electrode technology for producing ultra-thin insulating membranes with high porosity makes it possible to further improve the performance of SCiB™. Theoretically, the use of a skin-coated electrode for the high-power 10Ah cell improves its output power and energy density by 15%.
When used for a 10Ah cell
15% increase in performance*
* This is a design estimate and the value depends on the product in which a skin-coated electrode is to be used.
Ever evolving SCiB™
This new technology partly makes use of the results developed with funding from Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).