Kyoto University and Sumitomo Chemical to Start Joint R&D of Solid-Type Batteries for Practical Implementation

Kyoto University and Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., agreed to jointly develop materials and component technologies that can lead to the practical implementation of solid-type batteries, which have drawn attention as a next-generation rechargeable battery technology.  Based on this agreement, Professor Takeshi Abe of the Graduate School of Engineering and Faculty of Engineering at Kyoto University, along with his colleagues, with the support of Sumitomo Chemical, will hold a course focused on joint research between industry and academia.  The course will be allocated laboratory-scale manufacturing facilities and battery performance evaluation devices, and will be held on Katsura Campus, Kyoto University, starting April 1, 2020.

In this joint effort between industry and academia, both will engage in thorough and deep discussions to clarify the nano interface phenomenon, optimally design a solid-type battery system, and aim to build a new solid-type battery that makes both safety and high energy density possible.

Solid-type batteries

Solid-type batteries contain a solid electrolyte instead of the liquid electrolyte that is used in conventional lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.  As solid-type batteries use no flammable electrolyte, they are safer than the current mainstream lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, and are expected to achieve higher battery capacity, longer cycle life, and quicker charging.  With these features, solid-type batteries are likely to be applied in a wide range of fields, such as small consumer batteries for information devices, wearable devices, and medical use, which are indispensable to our daily lives.  They are also likely to be used as the next-generation batteries for electric vehicles, which require higher energy density and high output to achieve better cruising range and charging time.