Solid State Energy Devices
The use of efficient energy storage solutions and clean power generation will be crucial for the foreseen energy transition. ATLAB contributes to a future clean energy system by developing solid state technologies, mainly, Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs) and All-Solid-State Batteries (ASSBs).
Solid Oxide Cells are the core technology for making hydrogen (and derived synthetic fuels) the main future energy vector. In general terms, an electrolyser (SOEC) will store renewable energy in the form of H2 by electrolysing water (using renewable electricity). Alternatively to its direct use, this renewable hydrogen can be combined with recycled carbon dioxide to producte synthetic fuels. Finally, hydrogen or synthetic fuels can be directly combusted or, more interestingly, employed in highly efficient Fuel Cells (SOFCs) for the generation of power without emissions. Currently, ATLAB is focused on developing its own SOC technology using conventional and advanced manufacturing processes (3D printing, thin films) while extending the electrolysis mode of SOECs to co-electrolysis mode (directly converting CO2 and H2 in syngas).
ASSBs are currently in the spotlight as the safest alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries, the current dominant technology in the battery market, as they allow replacing the liquid electrolyte, which is toxic and highly flammable compromising the safety of the devices, with a solid stable electrolyte. In addition to safety, ASSBs have the potential to significantly increase the energy density of the cell by using the metallic Li as anode as well as with the development of the so-called anode-less (Li free anode) systems. ATLAB is currently developing its own ASSBs technology based on non-conventional manufacturing such as 3D printing and thin film deposition.
ATLAB holds more than 20 years of experience in this field, from the development of new materials and advanced electrochemical characterisation, to the fabrication of cells and stacks for technology transfer.