Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPTResearch project "SOLID"
Establishing a regional value chain for solid-state batteries in North Rhine-Westphalia
The SOLID project aims to establish a regional value chain for solid-state batteries (ASSB) in North Rhine-Westphalia. It will strengthen European industry, reduce technological dependencies, and promote Germany's technological sovereignty in international competition. Solid-state batteries are considered an important advancement over traditional lithium-ion batteries because they combine higher energy densities, faster charging, and greater safety.
Selection of suitable companies
The partners in the SOLID project are analyzing existing global value chains and derive technologies that can be transferred to regional industry. The project team specifically examines companies in North Rhine-Westphalia for their potential for ASSB production. Fraunhofer IPT is contributing its long-standing network in industry and research as well as its expertise in modern production processes. It identifies suitable companies and evaluates their technological competencies. Together with Fraunhofer FFB and Manugy GmbH, Fraunhofer IPT is conducting consortium studies and workshops on the individual process steps of solid-state battery production. On this basis, Fraunhofer FFB is identifying technological requirements that are to be met by new developments in the future.
Energy-efficient mini-environment as a test scenario
A key development of the project is an energy-efficient mini-environment for the demanding production conditions of solid-state batteries. Mini-environment refers to a locally limited area – such as a small chamber or a separate process area – with a precisely controlled atmosphere (in particular temperature, humidity, and particle-free conditions). This concept is increasingly being used in production to save energy and costs within larger clean and dry rooms. The controlled process environment in the mini-environment is necessary for the production of batteries with sulfide electrolytes, which react strongly to humidity and oxygen.
Manugy GmbH is responsible for developing a suitable housing design, building prototypes, and testing them. In addition, the company defines requirements for the safe handling of sensitive materials.
Material innovation and sustainable production strategies
Another focus is on the development of PFAS-free binders for sulfide solid-state batteries. Daikin is determining the technical requirements for this and identifies suitable materials based on comprehensive literature and patent research. The team will then test how well the binders can be processed in the laboratory and check how compatible they are with various sulfide electrolytes.
Project consortium
- Evonik GmbH, Essen
- Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB, Münster
- Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT, Aachen
- Manugy GmbH, Köln
Funding
The SOLID research project is funded by the European Union and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the ERDF/JTF program "Energie.IN.NRW – Innovative project ideas for the energy system of the future, a climate-neutral industry, and climate- and resource-friendly construction in North Rhine-Westphalia".
Funding code: 2080152
Project sponsor: PTJ