TDK of Japan has developed a revolutionary solid-state battery, with a size similar to chip, which may become a hot item for application in electric cars, mobile devices, and home appliances.

Nikkei Shimbun reported that the battery measures several millimeters in size, small enough to be placed onto a fingernail, and is chargeable for 1,000 times. Still under trial production, it is poised for mass production soon. Compared with lithium battery, it doesn't have the risk of leakage, thanks to its solid state, plus the merit of higher capacity. Some automakers, such as Toyota and Volkswagen, have also been engaged in the R&D on solid-state batteries but both have yet to unveil a prototype.

TDK's solid-state battery may substitute for button-like alkaline battery applied in temperature-control sensor and be used in PCs, smartphones, and various consumer electronic products.

Attracted by its bright outlook, many other Japanese firms have also been developing solid-state battery. Taiyo Yuden, for instance, is developing larger-sized solid-state battery, several centimeters long, which is expected to be applied in smart watches in 2020. In contrast, Murata is developing ultra-mini solid-state battery, for application in smart invisible contact lenses. Korean firms Samsung SDI and LG Chem have also stepped into the field.

(First photo courtesy of TDK)