Oxis Energy set to make solid-state lithium-sulfur cell tech a reality

OXIS Energy, the Culham Science Centre-based company which is developing lithium-sulphur (Li-S) batteries that pack up to five times more energy than lithium-ion batteries, is to deploy its Li-S cell and battery systems to its clients and partners worldwide by Autumn this year for use in trials, proof of concept and demonstrator battery systems for the aviation, marine, defence and heavy electric vehicles (HEV) sectors.

OXIS has been collaborating with European manufacturers on the development of Solid-State Li-S technology for almost four years.  As a result of a technological breakthrough three years ago, the company was able to file nine new families of patents to protect both Quasi and Solid-State Intellectual Property Rights.

With an identical manufacturing process to conventional Li-S and Li-ion, the delivery of the Quasi Solid-State batteries is achievable by late Autumn 2021.

Unlike Lithium-ion, the cells chemistry manufactured by OXIS Energy does not contain cobalt, manganese, nickel or copper, all of which present serious supply chain and environmental concerns.

Huw Hampson Jones, CEO, OXIS Energy, said: “With immediate effect, existing clients have been informed that all new programmes will use OXIS Solid-State Li-S cell technology. Based on our US client base, we know that aircraft manufacturers welcome the move from conventional to Solid-State Li-S. OXIS Li-S cell technology is inherently safer than Li-ion, as sulfur acts as a passivation of the lithium metal. OXIS has perfected mechanisms whereby greater levels of safety and longevity are achieved as we move towards roll-out of Quasi Solid-State Li-S in 2021/2022. In 2020, OXIS successfully powered an all-electric US aircraft, meeting client and Federal Aviation Authority requirements.”

The attraction of OXIS cells for vehicle markets, is that on average, the battery systems are up to 60 per cent lighter than conventional Li-ion battery systems.

OXIS will commercialise the mass production of the chemical composition of its Quasi and Solid-State cell at its Welsh Plant in Port Talbot, UK. The cells will be mass produced at its cell manufacturing plant in Juiz de Fora, in Brazil. NORDIKA Pharmaceutical of Sao Paulo has already begun the design work at the factory with completion expected in the Autumn. Commissioning is expected in 2023.