May 30, 2018 | News Brief | Ionic Materials has opened a new lab facility in Woburn, Mass. to advance the development and commercialization of its next-generation solid-state battery technology. The new 30,000 square-foot lab will also support the company’s internal growth, as it plans to double its employee count in 2018.
The expansion of Ionic Materials’ lab facility comes on the heels of momentum for the company since coming out of stealth mode last year. In February 2018, Ionic Materials closed $65 million of venture funding and announced strategic partnerships within the battery manufacturing, consumer electronic and electric vehicle ecosystem, including A123 Systems, Hitachi, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, Total S.A., and Volta Energy Technologies. Additionally, Jan van Dokkum joined Ionic Materials as Chairman of the Board of Directors along with Bill Joy, who serves as a board member.
“Over the past year, we’ve significantly advanced our solid polymer electrolyte’s capabilities, including chemistry performance, and partnered with several world-class companies to help bring our technology to commercialization,” said Mike Zimmerman, founder and CEO of Ionic Materials. “The new and expanded laboratory enables us to stay true to our commitment in ensuring our polymer supports the next-generation of solid-state batteries. As part of this, the facility gives us the space needed to tap into and hire top talent in the area, and we’re planning to recruit heavily over the next few years.”
Ionic Materials’ lab facility is fully operational, and new capabilities and features include capabilities for polymer processing, thermal processing and extrusion. In addition, this new space houses an expanded workforce and facilities for dry room assembly, battery testing and development labs.
Ionic Materials’ solid plastic polymer material enables solid-state batteries that are inherently safe, affordable, high in energy density and operational at room temperature. The special properties of Ionic Materials’ polymer electrolyte allow the use of high-energy materials and support lithium-ion cells with little to no cobalt in their cathodes. Further advancements made possible by Ionic Materials’ polymer will support additional high-energy and eco-friendly battery chemistries, including lithium metal, lithium sulfur and very inexpensive and low-cost rechargeable alkaline batteries as well.
With the expanded lab facility and new strategic partnerships, Ionic Materials’ technology will reach the broadest market segments and establish a complete ecosystem of battery cell manufacturers serving the consumer electronic, electric vehicle and energy storage markets.
