Electrolyte additives: a key area of Li-ion patent activity

Innovation into new electrolyte formulations are likely to play a key role in stabilising these materials and IDTechEx find that the number of patent applications made regarding electrolytes for Li-ion batteries from in 2018, the latest year of complete data, compared to 2010, was 270% higher.

Delving into the trends being seen in patent applications and filings can provide insight into the key areas of innovation in Li-ion batteries and the areas of development favored by key players, helping to provide insight into how Li-ion technology can continue to improve. Find out more in the latest IDTechEx report: 'Li-ion Battery Patent Landscape 2020'.

Solid-state batteries are a key development for energy storage with the potential to improve several key metrics, including energy density and safety. However, the technology may still be some way-off mass-market commercialisation and developments are still required to improve their cost, rate capability and manufacturability.

IDTechEx have covered solid-state technology for a number of years. Find out more in the recently updated report 'Solid-State and Polymer Batteries 2020-2030'. Nevertheless, liquid electrolytes are still a key area of development with additives potentially playing a decisive role in commercialising new anode and cathode materials, including silicon anodes and high nickel NMC. This can be seen in the patent data, where IDTechEx find that 47% of Li-ion electrolyte patent applications since 2011 were regarding electrolyte additives.

Electrolyte patent technology share 2001-2020. Image source: IDTechEx report 'Li-ion Battery Patent Landscape 2020'

While there is rightly a considerable amount of interest and hype around solid-state electrolytes, the sustained high volume of patent applications on additives for organic electrolytes suggests they will maintain a key role in Li-ion for years to come.

Find out more from IDTechEx's 'Li-ion Battery Patent Landscape 2020' report, which can provide insight into Li-ion innovation trends and compliments IDTechEx's research into the Li-ion, solid-state battery and electric vehicle markets.