Thin-film batteries (TFBs) are ultra-thin, solid-state energy storage devices fabricated layer-by-layer using techniques such as magnetron sputtering and thermal evaporation. Thanks to their compact size, high power density, and intrinsic safety (no liquid electrolytes), TFBs enable cutting-edge applications from IoT and wearables to aerospace and implantable medical devices.

In the Thin Film Battery Group, we design, fabricate, and study TFBs to push the limits of performance and to investigate the fundamental phenomena that govern their behaviour.

Compared to conventional Li-ion batteries, thin-film batteries offer:

• high charge/discharge rate
• high power density
• long lifetime
• high safety (no organic liquid or polymer electrolyte)
• low self-discharge

Our Laboratory is developing thin-film batteries, with a special research focus on:

• high areal capacity thin-film cathodes such as NMC811, TM-F conversion cathodes etc.
• lithium-metal anodes and anode-free architectures
• interfacial layers enabling efficient Li-ion transport, improving Li plating and preventing degradation
• corrosion-resistant current collectors
• novel device designs such as monolithically stacked multi-cell batteries for increased power and energy density
• solid-state electrolytes
• advanced post-processing e.g. flash lamp annealing