(Invited) Lithium Metal Polymer Batteries: State-of-the-Art of the Technology and Commercial Prospects

BlueSolutions has been commercializing all-solid state batteries since 2011. EVs, buses and stationary applications are the main targets of its research and development program. After more than 15 years, this Bolloré group subsidiary masters all the industrial processes for the production of a unique solid state battery technology. The know-how goes from the transformation of the lithium ingots to the integration of the battery packs within the applications. Importantly, a low-ecological footprint process has been stated for both the positive electrode and the polymer electrolyte manufacturing. In order to get incomparable energy densities, today, all the industrial actors of lithium batteries are hardly working on the lithium metal technology. In this context, BlueSolutions has a unique 10 years feedback regarding both the behavior of this special anode and of the solid-state electrolyte. After having spread the first pack generation for 8 years all-over the world, an optimized 650V battery pack is about to be delivered. It is especially designed for heavy vehicles, such as buses. To match with customers expectations this new generation offers optimized performance and a very long cyclability. In the meanwhile, BlueSolutions has already started working on its future generation products. While the current battery is LFP-based and cycles at a nominal temperature of 80°C, a lot of efforts are dedicated to improve the actual chemistry. Research programs are conducted on the development of a new positive electrode with higher energy density, new polymers that will be compatible with high-voltage materials and which have high conductivity at ambient temperature and optimized lithium electrode. In fine , the goal is to keep the intrinsic safety of the polymer solid electrolyte, while benefiting from the promising performances of new electrode materials.