Critical Resources (ASX:CRR) has deposited a complete cathode, solid-state electrolyte, and conductive network in a single dry step, advancing its solvent-free process for solid-state lithium-ion batteries.
The company reports its dry spray deposition (DSD) process co-deposited lithium iron phosphate cathode material, lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide solid electrolyte, and carbon-nanotube conductive network onto battery-grade aluminium foil in one room-temperature pass.
The composite layer measured approximately 15 microns thick with uniform distribution across the surface.
“The hardest part of a solid-state battery is the join between the cathode and the electrolyte, and forming that join during manufacture — rather than pressing finished parts together afterwards — is exactly the kind of problem this technology is designed to solve,” Managing Director Tim Wither says.
“Doing it solvent-free, at room temperature, and with an advanced carbon-nanotube network built in, points to a cleaner and simpler way of making these cells.”
The DSD process eliminates conventional manufacturing stages, including mixing slurries, coating, drying ovens, furnace processing, and pressing operations.
Scanning electron microscope analysis confirmed the deposited layer achieved dense, uniform coating with evenly distributed electrolyte material and intact carbon-nanotube networks after deposition.
This milestone follows the company’s recent amorphous solid‑state electrolyte benchmark results. Those tests showed ionic conductivity of 3.2 milliSiemens per centimetre – one of the highest figures for non‑sulphide, non‑halide amorphous electrolyte chemistries.
Coin cell electrochemical testing of the DSD composite is underway using liquid electrolyte as a performance reference to establish baseline results ahead of solid-state electrolyte integration.
The company says early electrochemical results show charge and discharge behaviour consistent with expected cathode and electrolyte performance.
“This is early-stage laboratory work, not commercial manufacturing. But the direction is very encouraging, and we will keep advancing it through a disciplined, capital-light evaluation approach,” Wither notes.
The current business model focuses on developing and licensing battery and manufacturing-process intellectual property rather than manufacturing.
Critical Resources also holds interests in lithium resources through its Mavis Lake Lithium Project in Ontario, Canada.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Critical Resources
