Switzerland is making headlines in the battery industry as two university research spin-offs, BTRY and 8inks, announce groundbreaking advancements in battery technology. These innovations have the potential to transform the energy storage sector and contribute to the ambitious climate goals set by Swiss leaders.
BTRY has developed an ultra-thin solid-state battery with remarkable capabilities. Unlike traditional batteries, this innovative power pack can charge within minutes and store energy for years. Its unique design, featuring stacked cells, ensures fast charge speeds and high storage capacity. Moreover, the battery’s solid-state electrolyte eliminates the risk of flammability associated with traditional liquid batteries. This breakthrough technology has wide-ranging applications, including powering medicine storage at low temperatures during transportation and even in outer space.
8inks, on the other hand, has revolutionized battery manufacturing processes. By employing a multi-layer coating method, they have challenged three decades of conventional practices. This technique involves applying multiple thin coats of the active material, where the lithium-ion is stored, to create a higher-performing power pack. The versatility and tailoring of solid-state cell thickness enable superior energy and power densities, longer cycle life, and enhanced safety. While currently testing their process for coin packs and pouch batteries, 8inks aims to scale up for use in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
These advancements in battery technology have far-reaching implications. By developing more efficient and sustainable batteries, the adoption of cleaner electric technology can be accelerated. Switching to electric vehicles, for example, not only saves hundreds of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs but also significantly reduces harmful air pollution. Cleaner air leads to improved human health and a decreased likelihood of severe weather events linked to climate change.
The ETH spin-offs, BTRY and 8inks, have ambitious plans to establish themselves as global leaders in battery production. With the support of Switzerland’s thriving industry expertise, the future of battery technology looks promising. By harnessing these innovations, we can shape a greener and more sustainable world.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the recent advancements in battery technology made by Swiss research spin-offs?
– BTRY has developed an ultra-thin solid-state battery with fast charging capabilities and long-term energy storage.
– 8inks has revolutionized battery manufacturing processes by employing a multi-layer coating method for improved performance.
2. What are the advantages of BTRY’s solid-state battery?
– BTRY’s battery can charge within minutes and store energy for years.
– Its unique design with stacked cells enables fast charging and high storage capacity.
– The battery’s solid-state electrolyte eliminates the risk of flammability associated with traditional liquid batteries.
3. How does 8inks revolutionize battery manufacturing?
– 8inks challenges conventional practices by employing a multi-layer coating method for applying the active material in lithium-ion batteries.
– This technique enables higher-performing power packs with superior energy and power densities, longer cycle life, and enhanced safety.
4. What are the potential applications of BTRY’s solid-state battery?
– BTRY’s battery has wide-ranging applications, including powering medicine storage at low temperatures during transportation and in outer space.
5. What are the future plans of BTRY and 8inks?
– BTRY and 8inks aim to establish themselves as global leaders in battery production with the support of Switzerland’s industry expertise.
6. How do these advancements in battery technology contribute to sustainable development?
– More efficient and sustainable batteries can accelerate the adoption of cleaner electric technology, such as electric vehicles.
– Switching to electric vehicles can save money on fuel and maintenance costs while reducing harmful air pollution, improving human health, and decreasing the likelihood of severe weather events linked to climate change.
Definitions:
– Solid-state battery: A type of battery that uses solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes found in traditional batteries, offering advantages such as faster charging and eliminating the risk of flammability.
– Lithium-ion battery: A type of rechargeable battery commonly used in consumer electronics and electric vehicles, known for its high energy density and long cycle life.
Related Links:
– BTRY: Official website of BTRY, the Swiss research spin-off developing ultra-thin solid-state batteries.
– 8inks: Official website of 8inks, the Swiss research spin-off revolutionizing battery manufacturing processes.