Factorial Leverages the Advantages of Dry Coating

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.

Related:Group14's Breakthrough Replaces Graphite for Silicon

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.

Factorial Energy solid-state cell.Image courtesy of Factorial Energy.

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:EVs Are Driving UHMWPE Market Growth

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.