Battery technology developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is coming to market thanks to a partnership with a U.S. materials company. 

The lab has entered into an exclusive option agreement with Ampcera to further develop technology that improves lithium battery performance, according to a release. Researchers say the new technology also has the potential of lowering battery manufacturing costs. 

“Improving the performance and stability of solid-state lithium batteries, while supporting domestic supply, complements our vision of market innovation for enhanced energy security and U.S. manufacturing,” said Allan Tuan, senior commercialization manager at PNNL, in a statement. 

The PNNL-developed technology includes a new solid-state electrolyte material that provides an ideal interface when in contact with lithium or silicon anodes. The material even performs well at high currents and temperatures, researchers say.  

The technology, which lab operator Battelle has filed multiple patents for, was developed with support from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office and Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office. 

Over the next year, PNNL and Ampcera will work to further refine the material and scale up the manufacturing process. 

“Ampcera is proud to join forces with PNNL,” said Sumin Zhu, cofounder and chief executive officer of Ampcera, in a statement. “Together, we can develop a promising solid-state battery technology aimed at achieving significant charging, safety, and reliability advantages.” 

Ampcera develops solid-state electrolyte materials and scalable manufacturing processes for next-generation solid-state batteries. The company is headquartered in Milpitas, California, with research and manufacturing facilities in Tucson, Arizona.