Low Cost Manufacturing of Advanced Silicon-Based Anode Materials
- Group14 Technology Inc., Seattle, WA (United States)
Under the financial support of award DE-EE0007312, Group14 Technologies (G14) has progressed from the lab (~g) to lab-pilot (~kg) manufacturing of a novel silicon-carbon (Si-C) composite that is highly promising as an anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. G14’s Si-C is a drop in for graphite in lithium ion battery anodes, providing for increased energy density while lowering the cost on a capacity basis. At the foundation of the Si-C particle is an amorphous carbon scaffold, with its porosity fine-tuned for promoting intra-particle growth of the desired type and size (amorphous, nano-sized) of high capacity silicon, while also proving for internal volume to ameliorate silicon’s expansion upon lithiation. Both the carbon and silicon within the Si-C composite are produced from readily available, low-cost precursors. At lab scale, we demonstrated the ability to produce Si-C capable of achieving capacity of 1000 mAh/g with minimum 500 cycle stability (up to 1000 cycles with pre-lithiation) in full cell, coin cell lithium ion batteries. Based on such lab experience, we down-selected process and equipment suitable for producing Si-C at lab-pilot scale. The chosen equipment was purchased, installed and commissioned at Group14’s pilot manufacturing facility in Woodinville, WA. In turn, the ability to produce kg quantities facilitated the shipment of Si-C to various third parties. The promising feedback from such third parties included achievement of high first cycle efficiency (up to 92%) and 800 cycle stability in full cell, pouch cell lithium ion batteries. Beyond this highly promising electrochemical performance, it is important to note that G14’s Si-C has also been developed for low cost. Based on estimated production costs, electrochemical performance data, and modeling employing the BatPaC model, we project <$125/kWh for lithium ion battery packs containing G14’s Si-C.
- Research Organization:
- Group14 Technology Inc., Seattle, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EE0007312; FOA-0001201
- OSTI ID:
- 1567700
- Report Number(s):
- DOE-G14-0007312
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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