TDK CeraCharge™ - the First Rechargeable all-Ceramic SMD Battery

The Internet of Everything (IoT) requires power sources that are safe, rechargeable, and compact. Traditional batteries are often too bulky for small, portable devices. TDK’s CeraCharge™, the world’s first rechargeable solid-state SMT battery, significantly boosts capacity compared to conventional MLCCs, using innovative materials like LISICON as an electrolyte and a vanadium-lithium composite cathode. This technology promises to enhance the performance of future lithium-based batteries.

While a single CeraCharge™ battery suits small IoT devices, using multiple batteries in a pack requires careful selection to avoid performance issues. CeraCharge™ batteries are shipped uncharged and need activation, which can cause variations in performance. Testing five batteries showed differences in charge capacity and charge times, complicating pack design. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and differential capacity analysis (DCA) revealed variations in bulk and interfacial transport processes, affecting battery performance.

To ensure consistency, proper handling, activation, and testing are essential. Batteries that don’t pass activation may show significant performance differences, impacting their use in packs. Addressing these issues is crucial for optimizing the reliability and efficiency of TDK CeraCharge™ batteries in IoT applications.