Belgium – Umicore has opened one of the largest and most sophisticated solid-state battery material prototyping facilities in the world in Olen, Belgium. This comes after the company gained strong research expertise with the assistance of the Flemish government (VLAIO – Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen).
Electric mobility is anticipated to be accelerated by solid state batteries, which will enhance Umicore’s globally renowned range of battery materials technology.
The 600 m2 facility’s installations and equipment serve the entire chain of solid-state battery development, from material formulation, characterization, and manufacture, to battery cell assembling, and subsequent testing at the battery level. With this comprehensive strategy, it is possible to create new material categories, such as catholytes, which mix solid electrolytes and cathode active materials.
This distinctive facility was converted by Umicore from an industrial structure on its Olen location, which also houses the Group’s Research and Development headquarters.
Maximizing resources
Creating solid-state batteries requires specific infrastructure, including particularly dry air, because the materials used in them are very sensitive to moisture. The laboratory at Umicore has a humidity level of less than 0.1% and 200,000 m3 of dry air is circulated through the space every hour. For the precise testing, analysis, and development of this new generation of cathode active materials, such dry air is crucial.
Umicore is able to maximize and conserve its resources by doing R&D in such arid settings. The extremely dry air keeps battery materials stable and increases their life duration, which lowers the need for regular material replacement. Researchers can alter products more freely in a bigger, open environment rather than being restricted to working in solitary glove boxes. Additionally, because careful testing and analysis reduce cycles of trial and error, these dry rooms are energy efficient.
