100% Silicon EV Battery offers 50% more power, charges in 10 min

A US company has revealed intentions to manufacture units with a 100% silicon anode, completely replacing graphite, in an effort to advance next-generation battery technologies.

Group14 Technologies’ proprietary silicon-carbon composite, known as SCC55, is essential to the operation of Sionic Energy batteries.

According to the business, their batteries have a lifespan of up to 1,200 cycles and can provide at least 330 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg) and 842 watt-hours per liter (Wh/L). Cell formats ranging from 4Ah to 10Ah are used for testing.

In the meanwhile, Group14 intends to start manufacturing 4,000 tons of SCC55 a year in Moses Lake, Washington, in early 2025. Up to 200,000 EVs or millions of gadgets might be powered by the material’s 20 GWh of cell capacity. Silicon anodes provide 10-minute EV charging and a 50% increase in energy density.

“Designed for seamless integration into existing lithium-ion battery manufacturing processes, Sionic’s Silicon Battery Platform maximizes silicon material performance with regard to energy density, extended cycle life, and rapid charge rates,” said the firm in a statement.

Batteries of the Future

Solid-state batteries are among the technologies being developed and tested as part of the escalating efforts to commercialize next-generation EV batteries.

But in this competition, silicon anodes are gaining ground and surpassing solid-state alternatives in terms of commercial readiness. Although graphite is used as the anode in the majority of lithium-ion batteries, silicon provides a notable benefit by delivering up to 3600 mAh/g at normal temperature, significantly increasing energy density.

The difficulty of silicon to regulate its growth and extend its cycle life at a fair cost has so far prevented it from becoming a popular alternative to graphite.

The silicon-carbon composite SCC55 from Group14 provides 50% greater energy density for lithium-ion anodes and five times the capacity of graphite.

With silicon particles enclosed in a supporting framework, the substance acts as a nanoscale sponge. Because of its porous structure, silicon may safely expand and lithium ions can flow through without negatively reacting with the electrolyte. When compared to crystalline alternatives, its amorphous silicon structure provides better stability and cycle life.

Advanced batteries for EVs, electronics, and grid storage are made possible by SCC55, a drop-in solution that can mix with or replace graphite.

A Rise in Energy Density

SCC55 and Sionic’s cutting-edge battery platform are intended to be combined in next-generation batteries. The silicon anode design of the company makes it possible to use inexpensive silicon material in high capacities (>50 percent) for simple integration into current production procedures.

Using sophisticated electrolytes and basic chemical additions, the technology limits cell growth to less than 10%, increasing energy density by up to 50% and cutting expenses by up to 30%.

The platform provides scalability for existing Li-ion batteries and retains performance with next-generation cathode designs, and it is compatible with all Li-ion cathode materials. It now asserts that its silicon battery technology achieves a specific energy of 330 Wh/kg and a volumetric energy density of 842 Wh/L, delivering unparalleled performance.

In cell configurations ranging from 4Ah to 10Ah, these batteries have been tested to endure up to 1,200 cycles. On the other hand, Tesla’s nickel-rich 4680 cells are said to provide 716 Wh/L and 272–296 Wh/kg.

A 20Ah battery with 370 Wh/kg and 1,000 Wh/L is also being tested by Sonic, according to IEEE Spectrum, however its cycle life is currently only roughly 600. Plans call for increasing durability and beginning to provide 20Ah cells to customers for validation by 2025.

Article Link: https://interestingengineering.com/