Apple’s battery supplier, TDK Corporation, a Japanese multinational electronics company, has developed a new material for next-generation solid-state batteries called CeraCharge.
Photo of the single cell of solid-state battery which was developed as a material for the next generation of CeraCharge. Image: TDK Corporation.
CeraCharge is the world’s first all-ceramic, solid-state SMD battery, an emerging choice for implementation in a wide variety of IoT devices, the company stated on its website.
According to a statement by the firm, the new material enables batteries to achieve an energy density of 1,000 Wh/L, about 100 times greater than the energy density of TDK’s conventional solid-state battery.
Battery emits notably high energy density
The Tokyo-based firm aimed to devise batteries with significantly higher energy density to improve the performance and lifespan of various electronic devices.
It strived to provide a solution for smaller wearable devices, such as wireless earphones, hearing aids, and smartwatches.
9to5Mac reported that as per the new EU regulations, brands are required to phase out disposable batteries in favour of rechargeable ones.
TDK’s technology comes at an opportune moment that could slow battery disposable by replacing the existing coin cell batteries. 9to5Mac says that the tech is intended to substitute a type of button cell currently used in devices such as Apple’s AirTags, which are non-rechargeable and last about an hour.
In hopes of making the technology more sustainable, the new solid-state batteries were developed using an oxide-based solid electrolyte and lithium alloy anodes to ensure safety, particularly for wearable devices.
Could minimise environmental impact
Additionally, advanced multilayer lamination technology and improved production methods enhance durability and performance, leading to longer battery life and less frequent replacements. These features could help minimise the environmental impact.
“The use of oxide-based solid electrolyte makes batteries extremely safe,” stated the firm in the statement. “It is intended for use in wearable and other devices that come in direct contact with the human body.”
The new batteries will be rechargeable, potentially allowing them to be used in other Apple devices like AirPods and Apple Watches. The development is still in the material stage, with no actual batteries yet created using this new technology. In contrast to other companies announcing breakthrough battery technologies, this announcement shows more promise as TDK has actually developed the material.
“TDK will strive to develop the battery cells and package structure design and advance towards mass production, targeting the development of its new product, the solid-state battery,” the statement emphasised.
“Moreover, TDK aims to enhance the capacity of the batteries through multilayer lamination technology and expand its operating temperature range by applying the production engineering technology TDK has accumulated in the electronic components business.”
The firm aspires to improve battery design and supply it to the masses after enhancing battery capacity using multilayer lamination technology.
Due to the high energy density of 1,000 Wh/L, the batteries could be more durable, longer-lasting, and rechargeable. This shift can reduce electronic waste and comply with new EU regulations.