The lithium-ceramic battery (LCB) was invented by Prologium, a battery manufacturer based in Taiwan. The LCB is a solid-state battery, meaning it uses solid electrolytes, compared to the liquid electrolytes found in Li-ion batteries. Since Li-ion batteries are believed to have reached their full potential (as in they cannot be improved upon any longer), solid-state batteries are considered to be the better alternatives.
The materials used to make the solid-state battery’s solid electrodes include, ceramic (in the case of LCB), lithium sulphide and glass. Right now, solid-state batteries are being used in a number of applications, such as wearable gadgets and pacemakers, and have a number of potential uses, such as electric cars and smart clothing. By exchanging liquid electrolytes for solid electrolytes in lithium batteries, Prologium has invented next-gen batteries that can overcome the shortcomings of Li-ion batteries.
LCB density
At their maximum, Li-ion batteries have a total energy density of about 600 Wh/L (watt-hours per litre) while solid-state batteries, like the LCB, can potentially reach 1,200 Wh/L, according to researchers at the University of Michigan. This means that these batteries can hold more charge and last longer than Li-ion batteries, making them perfect for making laptops and smartphones for people who travel a lot.
No one can deny that batteries take up a significant size on many consumer devices. Thinner batteries mean manufacturers can make thinner devices, like cell phones and tablets, something which is sure to be a hit with consumers. According to Prologium, their battery’s cell size can be as thin as 0.38mm. This means the battery can even be mounted directly on the motherboard of the devices themselves.
LCB safety
When a lithium battery shorts internally, it can light on fire. There are various things that can cause the battery to short, such as water, cuts and punctures. To compound this problem, lithium metal is highly combustible, meaning once the internal fire starts, the whole thing can easily go up in flames.
Prologium’s battery, however, can be bent, cut, folded, punctured and even dipped in water without it short-circuiting. Plus, the ceramic electrolytes do not burn, meaning manufacturers can harness the power of lithium metal without fearing the battery’s internal fire can cause it to combust. All this leads to a battery that does not explode.
Overall, LCB batteries are the perfect alternative to lithium-ion batteries since they can have higher energy densities, are safer (a fire-proof battery is a big deal) and can allow manufacturers to make thinner devices. Manufacturers of consumer gadgets need to take note and make use of this technology for the betterment of their customers.