Lyten, a supermaterials application company, has successfully developed an automated battery production line that consistently exceeds 90% yield, proving the feasibility of manufacturing lithium-sulfur batteries using a sulfur cathode and lithium metal anode. The company converted its lithium-ion equipment to produce lithium-sulfur batteries in its pilot facility within six weeks. The battery chemistry used by Lyten does not require N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) in the cathode manufacturing process, and it also does not contain nickel, cobalt, manganese, or graphite in the cathode and anode, making it an entirely locally sourced and manufactured battery.
Lyten’s lithium-sulfur batteries can be produced in standard cylindrical and pouch formats, scaled to automated manufacturing, and utilize the same equipment and processes as legacy lithium-ion batteries. This standardization reduces the risk of producing batteries with higher performance and lower costs compared to lithium-ion batteries and future solid-state batteries, according to the company. Lyten projects achieving over 98% yields at scale and plans to start delivering commercial lithium-sulfur cells for non-EV customers in aerospace and government applications by 2024 from its San Jose pilot production facility. The company is currently focused on engineering, design, equipment procurement, and evaluating locations to rapidly expand its manufacturing capacity to meet the growing interest from EV, trucking, space, aerospace, and government customers.
Celina Mikolajczak, Chief Battery Technology Officer at Lyten, emphasized the importance of manufacturing lithium-sulfur batteries at enormous scale and at a price immediate on-par or better than today’s already scaled-up lithium-ion batteries for mass market adoption. Mikolajczak highlighted the complete elimination of NMP and the battery’s ability to tolerate metallic contamination and defects as key factors in creating a highly manufacturable cell. These features make the lithium-sulfur battery developed by Lyten competitive in terms of scalability and cost-effectiveness, which are crucial for widespread adoption in various industries.
The successful development of an automated production line by Lyten marks a significant milestone in the advancement of lithium-sulfur battery technology. By achieving high yields and streamlining the manufacturing process, the company has demonstrated the potential for producing lithium-sulfur batteries at a large scale and competitive cost. With plans to deliver commercial cells for aerospace and government applications in the near future, Lyten is set to make a significant impact on the battery market. The company’s focus on scalability and manufacturability positions it well to meet the demands of EV, trucking, space, aerospace, and government customers who are increasingly looking for high-performance, cost-effective battery solutions.
The utilization of lithium-sulfur batteries in standard cylindrical and pouch formats, alongside the compatibility with existing equipment and processes used for lithium-ion batteries, showcases the versatility and ease of integration of this technology. Lyten’s strategy to leverage these advantages to meet the evolving needs of diverse industries such as aerospace, government, and electric vehicles reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. By eliminating NMP and traditional materials like nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite from its battery chemistry, Lyten is not only enhancing the performance and efficiency of its batteries but also contributing to a more environmentally friendly and locally sourced manufacturing process. This approach aligns with the increasing focus on sustainability and reduced environmental impact in the battery industry.
In conclusion, Lyten’s breakthrough in lithium-sulfur battery technology demonstrates a shift towards more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable energy storage solutions. With a focus on scalability, manufacturability, and performance, the company is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for high-performance batteries in various industries. By leveraging its automated production line and innovative battery chemistry, Lyten is paving the way for the mass adoption of lithium-sulfur batteries in applications ranging from electric vehicles to aerospace and government sectors. As the company continues to expand its manufacturing capacity and deliver commercial cells, it is poised to make a significant impact on the future of battery technology and contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape.
