A collaborative technical note by Ilika and Piezo Energy Technologies
Solid state batteries are rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIB) where the liquid electrolyte has been
replaced by a solid ceramic material. Because SSB do not include a liquid, they do not need to be packaged in a metallic foil or can, which avoids leakage in LIB. Hence, the lack of a bulky packaging enables manufacturing of SSB of smaller dimensions than LIB. SSB technology is also safer than LIB since it does not incorporate a toxic, flammable electrolyte. SSB have a cuboid form factor enabling compact printed circuit board design with other integrated components. SSB cells can be stacked on top of each other and connected in parallel to create packs of cells of higher energy but same footprint as a single cell. Finally, SSB comprise of electrodes and electrolyte layers of micron-level thickness: these thin films enable rapid ionic transfer, high power capability and fast charge. Ilika is developing a range of solid state batteries, branded Stereax, ideally suited for miniaturized AIMD. The experiments described in this technical note used a proofof-concept, non-commercial prototype of cm-scale (Stereax M250), but Ilika is now developing SSB with higher energy density, 300 µAh capacity and a 3.6 mm x 5.6 mm x 1.1 mm envelop.
Description of the experiment
The aim of this collaboration between Ilika and PET was to demonstrate, using physical prototypes, that
ultrasound energy could be used to recharge a miniaturized solid state battery. Hence, this experiment
simulates the charging of an SSB-powered AIMD implanted inside the body using power transfer via
ultrasound.
Ilika plc (LON:IKA) is a pioneer in solid state battery technology enabling solutions for applications in Industrial IoT, MedTech, Electric Vehicles and Consumer Electronics.
