Advanced battery cells and manufacturing methods boost next-generation batteries and strengthen Europe’s economy

TNO at Holst Centre pioneers next-generation battery innovation through upscalable dry coating and thin-thick film deposition technologies. In collaboration with industry partners, we develop safer batteries with high power and energy density, longer lifespans and lower costs. Our initial focus is on Dutch niche markets—heavy-duty applications such as trucks, buses, aviation, and maritime—before expanding to broader sectors.

The European battery market faces rising demand for affordable, high-performance batteries to enable decarbonized mobility and energy storage. Dependency on Chinese suppliers, especially for expensive materials like cobalt, poses strategic challenges and economic drawbacks, as internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles give way to battery-electric models, where batteries account for the largest cost component.

To address this, European manufacturers must innovate towards next-generation batteries with superior energy density, longer lifespans, and lower costs. Prioritizing affordability for mainstream use and adopting sustainable production processes will strengthen Europe's position. Dutch innovators can lead by scaling technologies globally through strategic collaborations.

Focus on heavy-duty

Our vision is to advance next-generation battery cells and manufacturing methods with direct societal impact. We focus on the niche markets—heavy-duty applications like trucks, buses, aviation, and maritime—before expanding to other sectors.

TNO at Holst Centre is driving the energy storage revolution by supporting Dutch and global battery manufacturers and their value chain partners. We develop sustainable technologies and address key challenges in cell innovation and production processes.

Through long-term partnerships across the battery cell value chain and close collaboration with universities and research centres, we accelerate progress and deepen the understanding of current and future technologies.

Together with the Battery Competence Cluster - NL (BCC-NL), we aim to strengthen the Dutch battery ecosystem by aligning efforts to achieve global battery goals and accelerating Dutch innovations in the international market.

Solid track record

TNO Holst Centre has a proven track record in thin-film deposition and upscaled tools applied across domains like flexible OLED displays and battery components. Since 2015, we’ve leveraged this expertise to develop 3D electrode structures with next generation materials, enhancing battery energy density, power, and safety by suppressing dendrite formation, resulting in the spin-out of LionVolt.

The spatial Atomic Layer Deposition (sALD) technology developed by TNO at Holst Centre is a ground breaking innovation that enables the uniform deposition of ultra-thin chemical layers on large surfaces. This allows battery layers to be evenly applied to 3D structures, enhancing performance and reliability.

We expanded into designing artificial solid-electrolyte interfaces, while additionally working towards more sustainable battery concepts based on dry coating of next-generation electrolyte and electrode layers for Li-ion, Na-ion, and solid-state batteries.

Our innovations in 3D electrodes, solid-state batteries, and spatial Atomic Layer Deposition have already led to the creation of multiple start-ups.

Key technologies

3-dimensional electrodes and artificial solid-electrolyte interfaces

With 3-dimensional anodes and thick dry-coated cathodes we enhance energy and power densities, resulting in longer-lasting batteries capable of delivering higher power at specific times. Additionally, we address moisture sensitivity and compatibility issues in next-generation batteries by designing artificial solid-electrolyte interfaces using scalable spatial atomic layer deposition (sALD), reducing aging and increasing cycle life.

Dry coating of electrode and electrolyte layers

We are developing dry coating tools and processes for electrode and electrolyte layers in next-generation batteries, to reduce costs and carbon footprint, while simultaneously increasing energy density. This technology enables safer battery configurations, such as solid-state batteries, by facilitating solid-state electrolyte separator layers with high ionic conductivity (>1 mS/cm at room temperature). These layers replace flammable liquid electrolytes and polymer separators used in conventional Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. Dry coating also cuts manufacturing costs by up to 20%, energy usage by up to 50%, and eliminates toxic solvents like NMP used in traditional battery production.

Na-ion batteries

Improved kinetics in Na-ion batteries enable high power densities even in extreme cold and hot temperatures. Unlike Li-ion batteries, Na-ion chemistry prevents metallic dendrite formation, significantly reducing the risk of short circuits and overheating.

Solid-state batteries

Our advanced deposition technologies drive innovation in solid-state batteries. These batteries replace flammable liquid electrolytes and polymer separators with solid-state alternatives, enhancing safety by preventing dendrite formation, short circuits, and inflammability.

Scalable manufacturing processes

Dutch expertise and potential earning capacity lies in developing advanced production equipment for next-generation batteries. Holst Centre focuses on scalable, fast, cost-effective, and consistent manufacturing processes. Our pre-pilot manufacturing line assembles coin and pouch cells to test performance and industrial compatibility.

Join our research programs

At TNO Holst Centre we invite industry partners to join our shared research programs—companies aiming to accelerate R&D, enhance product competitiveness, or validate innovations with an independent research organization.

We also welcome collaboration with partners on funded projects and offer expertise in battery cell technology for governmental and industrial stakeholders.