The lithium metal battery market is gaining ever-growing interest due to the enhanced energy density of lithium when compared with graphite anodes. This could be particularly important within one of the main applications for this technology, the electric vehicle market, which currently represents the largest sector for global battery demand, expected by IDTechEx to surpass 1000GWh this year. IDTechEx's report, "Lithium Metal Batteries 2025-2035: Technology, Players, and Forecasts", looks into the various lithium battery types reaching commercialization, including solid-state and lithium-metal with liquid electrolyte, their main applications, and the benefits and drawbacks to each.
Cell structure comparison for lithium metal cells vs. incumbent graphite-anode cells. Source: IDTechEx
High-energy lithium-ion anode technologies
Conventional graphite anodes are established as a trusted choice and mature battery chemistry, though they are beginning to prove themselves unable to reach higher performance levels where necessary for developing battery applications. IDTechEx also reports some concerns surrounding safety and material availability, meaning that while they may be easier to manufacture than some growing alternatives, the attention of battery companies may be better focused elsewhere.
Solid-state batteries that use solid electrolyte are known for their enhanced safety features and high energy density, and can enable lithium to be used as an anode in a safer way than was previously possible. The difficulty with solid-state comes with the manufacturing processes and the task of eliminating liquid electrolyte completely.
Liquid-electrolyte lithium-metal batteries are also known for their high energy densities and are easier to manufacture than solid-state batteries. The downfalls of these particular battery chemistries are their low cycle life and poor stability and safety, making them a less favorable option, particularly for EV applications.
Silicon anode batteries have been another favoured option within the battery market due to their increased safety combined and again, good energy density. While initial costs may be high during early commercialization, they could eventually become available at a feasible price, meaning that the potentially complex material production could pay off.
Lithium dendrites and maintaining performance
Lithium dendrites have been one of the main causes of a slower lithium battery adoption, occurring as a result of the metal reacting with the electrolyte. Dendrites can cause pockets of dead lithium to form in the electrolyte layer over time, leading to a loss of active material within the battery and a decreased cycle life as a result. Dendrites could also potentially cross from the anode into the cathode, creating a short circuit. While approaches such as coating the separator could be taken to prevent this from happening, IDTechEx reports that this would ultimately lead to increased manufacturing costs, posing the question of whether the potential negatives of lithium metal anodes may outweigh the positives.
Pressure, temperature, and charge-discharge are all other factors that could play a part in keeping lithium metal batteries in the best shape. They are able to operate best in a higher-pressure environment, so module adjustments could be made to maintain this required pressure. Similarly, keeping the batteries at higher temperatures and charging them more slowly over a longer period will also help prevent degradation. However, this may not always be feasible, so the choice to use lithium metal batteries will depend heavily on the application.
A wider focus for lithium metal
IDTechEx's report includes detailed benchmarking of different types of lithium metal technologies, comparing their readiness for commercialization, specific energy, energy density, power, cycle life, cost, and safety. The report also focuses on various choices of cathodes that can be used with lithium metal to determine the battery's effectiveness.
To find out more about the IDTechEx "Lithium Metal Batteries 2025-2035: Technology, Players, and Forecasts" report, including downloadable sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/LMB.
For the full portfolio of energy storage and batteries market research available from IDTechEx, please see www.IDTechEx.com/Research/ES.
About IDTechEx
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.
