VW partner QuantumScape plans to source ceramic separators from Corning

It has been known for some time that QuantumScape uses ceramic separators in its lithium metal solid-state batteries. These separators are a key component of QuantumScape’s planned solid-state battery cells. In June, QuantumScape unveiled a process for manufacturing ceramic separators called ‘Cobra,’ which is said to be significantly better than the previous ‘Raptor’ process.

Corning, one of the world’s leading innovative companies in the fields of glass, ceramics and materials science, will now support QuantumScape (QS) in establishing manufacturing capacity for ceramic separators for mass production. By combining the strengths of QS and Corning in materials science and manufacturing, this agreement is an important step toward building an ecosystem of partners to rapidly industrialise QS’s next-generation battery technology, according to QuantumScape.

“QS and Corning are driven by a shared spirit of innovation in science and technology,” said Ron Verkleeren, senior vice president of Corning’s Emerging Innovations Group. “We’re excited to collaborate with QS to help advance the future of battery technology.”

“Corning’s world-class capabilities in ceramics manufacturing makes it an ideal addition to the QS technology ecosystem,” said Dr Siva Sivaram, CEO and President of QS. “Together with our ecosystem partners, we’re building the foundation for scalable production of our high-performance solid-state batteries and furthering our mission to revolutionize energy storage.”

QuantumScape’s solid-state batteries rely on a proprietary ceramic separator that performs several key functions in a battery cell: it acts as a solid electrolyte with sufficient ionic conductivity, while also serving as a mechanical barrier against lithium dendrites, which could otherwise quickly cause short circuits in lithium metal anodes. Unlike polymer separators, the ceramic does not shrink or melt at high temperatures, which significantly increases safety, and it remains chemically stable against highly reactive electrode materials. QuantumScape thus enables the use of pure lithium metal anodes, which significantly increase energy density without sacrificing service life or safety.

quantumscape.com

This article was first published by Florian Treiß for electrive’s German edition