Solid-state batteries that can store twice as much energy as the conventional batteries that power smart devices could become a lot cheaper.

They've been available for quite some time now but unfortunately are too expensive to use in wearable devices and smartphones.

Applied Materials, an American equipment supplier of semiconductor and innovative equipment, said they can make these solid-state batteries cheaper.

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It means solid-state batteries could be the way to go for developing slimmer, longer-lasting smartwatches and even electric cars with gas-powered engines.

Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of a liquid normally used in conventional lithium-ion batteries. In this way, it replaces conventional electrodes with lithium metal to hold far more energy.

The solid electrolytes can also improve the safety of batteries, which can be made more cost and size efficient.

Manufacturing tools shipped by Applied Materials will initially be used to develop a prototype of the solid-state batteries.

One challenge in making the solid-state batteries is depositing high-quality electrodes and electrolyte materials over large areas.

The company also said they're working to improve the conductivity of the battery. Applied Materials said they could overcome this challenge and other manufacturing problems.

"The thing that's holding [solid-state batteries] back is materials processing and the cost," said Andy Chu, Applied Materials' head of product marketing for energy storage solutions.

"We're addressing these problems. That will allow you to take this to high volume,"

The company also said there have been customers using its equipment to create batteries. It noted that itsfirst solid-state battery will be used for wearable devices like smartwatches.

Applied Materials didn't disclose how much the solid-state batteries will cost; the amount of energy they can store or how fast they can be charged.

TagsWearable devices, BATTERY LIFE, APPLIED MATERIALS, SOLID-STATE BATTERY, gadget, Tech