Re-Energizing the Silicon Anode: A New Approach to the Highest Energy Li-Ion System

摘要

With an anticipated >170 GWh of Li-ion production capacity online by 2021 (>500% increase relative to 2015 production), it's critical for any advanced Li-ion technologies to be compatible with the existing manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure. New battery designs that incorporate advanced electrode materials using conventional manufacturing processes provide versatility, selectivity in materials, and rapid commercialization of next-generation performance. A production process that can integrate a range of material geometries and chemistries using standard methodology also increases design efficiency and flexibility. SilLion's Li-ion battery technology enables silicon anodes (up to 80 wt.% Si) and high-energy cathode materials (including "NCM[811]") via conventional electrode and cell manufacturing equipment and supply chains. The company is currently prototyping its technology, incorporating a number of silicon and NCM material types, with engineering proto type energy densities of >300 Wh/kg, capable of achieving >350 Wh/kg in production. The utilization of high silicon loadings and the ability to use any type of silicon material, including micron-sized silicon particles, is made possible by leveraging the mechanical strength of a conductive binder coating. By encapsulating the Si particles in a resilient, yet porous, conductive coating matrix the volume and morphology changes of the Si particles are contained. Remarkably, this effect (dubbed: "self-contained fragmentation") is produced via the conventional electrode fabrication process. The result: a battery design enabling the high energy Li-ion system comprising a high-loading silicon anode and nickel-rich NMC cathode (or other cathode material).