Factorial Leverages the Advantages of Dry CoatingFactorial Leverages the Advantages of Dry Coating

Factorial's 40Ah Solstice cells use dry coating to boost energy density, reduce costs, and improve scalability for all-solid-state batteries over traditional wet processes.

December 16, 2024

2 Min Read
Business Wire
Factorial unveils 40Ah all-solid-state Solstice battery cells, using a novel dry cathode coating for higher energy density, sustainability, and scalability. solid-state-batteries

Factorial Inc. has announced a breakthrough with its 40Ah Solstice all-solid-state battery cells. These A-sample cells, tailored for automotive applications, are manufactured using a proprietary dry cathode coating process. By achieving an 80% increase in energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion cells, the Solstice cells mark a significant milestone in scaling solid-state battery technology. “Breakthrough solid-state battery performance is only relevant if it can be scaled to a size that is viable for commercial use,”stated Factorial Co-Founder and CEO Dr. Siyu Huang.

“This achievement underscores our team’s technical leadership and unmatched expertise in bringing innovative battery technologies to the high standards of the automotive sector,”  Huang continued. “At 40Ah capacity, our all-solid-state Solstice cells demonstrate the technical maturity, process validation, and scalability required for commercial applications.”

Factorial’s dry coating process eliminates the need for solvents, reducing energy use and operating costs. Additionally, the unique all-solid-state design removes the formation process, typically one of the most energy-intensive steps in traditional battery production.

“The dry electrode coating process is transforming battery manufacturing, introducing significant benefits—such as improved cell performance, faster lead times, and lower costs,” added Alex Yu, Factorial CTO.

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Developed in partnership with Mercedes-Benz, Solstice batteries are positioned for use in passenger vehicles, energy storage, and commercial applications. With its innovative approach to manufacturing, Factorial is setting a new standard for sustainable and scalable all-solid-state battery production.

solid state batteries

Dry coating advantages

As the demand for cleaner, more efficient energy solutions grows, the limitations of traditional battery manufacturing processes have become increasingly apparent. Wet coating, the industry standard, relies on hazardous solvents such as N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), which are carcinogenic and energy-intensive. These solvents require significant energy for evaporation and recovery, adding to production costs and environmental burdens.

On the other hand, dry coating eliminates solvents while reducing environmental impact, simplifying manufacturing, and cutting costs. Moreover, it enhances battery performance by creating denser, more uniform electrodes. Unlike wet coating, dry coating enables scalable production of advanced battery technologies like solid-state batteries. It is a pivotal advancement for electric mobility and energy storage industries.

Related:Battery Manufacturing Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

Feature

Wet Coating

Dry Coating

Environmental Impact

High (due to toxic solvents)

Low (no solvents required)

Energy Use

High (requires drying ovens)

Low (eliminates drying step)

Cost

Higher (solvent recovery, energy)

Lower (streamlined process)

Scalability

Established but energy-intensive

Emerging, more efficient

Performance

Standard

Higher energy density, longer life

Dry coating is reshaping the future of battery manufacturing, offering a sustainable and scalable solution for electric vehicles (EVs) and beyond. Dry coating is a superior option for battery manufacturing, offering environmental, economic, and performance benefits. It represents a transformative shift, especially for advanced technologies like solid-state batteries.

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