The Bulk Battery Chemistries for Flexible Devices

Advanced lithium-ion and bulk solid-state batteries can be used as bulkier batteries for flexible applications, mainly in the wearables and consumer electronics markets. IDTechEx's report, "Flexible Batteries Market 2025-2035: Technologies, Forecasts, and Players", covers numerous battery chemistries and their best-suited applications and forecasts the market to grow to over US$500 million by 2035, naming key players and OEMs operating within the sector.

 

 

Wearables, including medical devices, hearables, XR, and smartwatches, will be the main drivers for flexible battery developments - specifically bulk batteries. Companies are looking for new features and form factors from batteries to best suit the development of smaller and lighter devices, particularly in the medical and fitness sectors, where the Internet of Things and interconnected devices will become a large part of remote patient monitoring and health tracking.

 

Consumer electronics will also be a key focus point for players within the flexible battery industry, as applications such as flexible smartphones would also require batteries with resistance to repetitive movement. However, IDTechEx states that companies will likely face high costs and limited energy densities as the main barriers to expanding uptake. While they are expected to continue to be developed for consumer electronics applications, wide-scale usage may not be seen for some time.

 

 

 

Flexible bulk batteries may be similar in size and shape to regular batteries. However, varieties in choice of electrolyte and packaging can change their capabilities and make them more suitable for certain flexible applications. For example, a semi-solid-state electrolyte with gel-like properties can be used to improve the flexibility of a battery whilst still retaining good conductivity.

 

While advanced lithium-ion battery chemistries may currently lie slightly behind the readiness curve for commercialization and slightly lack the desired thickness and flexibility for certain applications, they still have notably good energy density, capacity, and power, as outlined in IDTechEx's research report. Bulk solid-state chemistries, on the other hand, have a much higher chance at success within the flexible batteries market, with excellent thickness, flexibility, and safety. IDTechEx highlights them as sitting amongst the best-performing flexible batteries.

 

 

The main differences between advanced lithium-ion and bulk solid-state chemistries come from the type of electrolyte used. Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes, which can offer more safety benefits as there are no volatile liquids present in the battery that might leak, allowing for safer flexing. At the same time, lithium-ion chemistries tend to use liquid electrolytes, which may bring the potential for thermal runaway.

 

 

Bulk batteries, in particular, are known for their higher capacity applications and can represent much growth potential for the flexible battery industry. They are currently still in the developmental stages of commercialization, more so than thin, flexible batteries, which can be as thin as printed labels, but IDTechEx outlines the capabilities of these chemistries, including enhanced safety.

 

For more information on key players, investors, and predictions spanning the next decade, visit IDTechEx's report, www.IDTechEx.com/Flex. Downloadable sample pages are also available.

 

For the full portfolio of energy storage and batteries market research available from IDTechEx, please see www.IDTechEx.com/Research/ES.

IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or visit www.IDTechEx.com.