Could this next-generation battery technology power the future?

March 4, 2025

At INL – International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, cutting-edge research is underway to develop next-generation solid-state thin-film lithium-ion batteries. These new batteries could redefine energy storage for wearable electronics, medical implants, IoT devices, and even aerospace technologies.

Leading this innovative work is Chadrasekhar Loka, a researcher at Sadewasser group, working towards the PRR New Generation Storage Agenda. Loka is focused on interfacial engineering to overcome some of the toughest challenges in solid-state battery technology.

By replacing the traditional liquid electrolyte (the part responsible for many safety risks in conventional batteries) with a solid-state electrolyte, these batteries become significantly safer, more durable, and capable of higher energy densities. Despite their enormous potential, solid-state batteries face several technological hurdles, especially at the interface between electrodes and electrolytes. Poor contact at these interfaces increases resistance, slowing down ion movement and reducing battery performance over time.

1. Preparing all components for battery assembly.

To tackle these issues, Loka’s work focuses on creating ultra-thin solid electrolytes and precisely tailored electrode surfaces using advanced techniques like Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). These methods allow the creation of layers with nanometre precision, enhancing both ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, crucial for long battery life and reliable performance under demanding conditions.

This work directly supports the development of a pilot system where these innovative batteries can be produced and tested. The ultimate goal is to create a highly scalable and reproducible manufacturing process, allowing these custom-dimension thin-film batteries to power a wide range of devices, from next-generation electronics to medical wearables.

As the project progresses, Chadrasekhar Loka aims to take this work even further, “The goal is to unlock record-breaking energy densities, improve cycle life, and develop bipolar battery architectures that minimise material use while maximising performance.”

With this pioneering work, INL is driving forward the future of safe, high-performance, and sustainable energy storage, helping to accelerate the global shift to carbon-neutral technologies.