Graphene silicon-based lithium-ion battery anodes can increase energy density

According to foreign media reports, Australia's advanced materials technology company Talga Resources announced the preliminary test results of its graphene silicon-based lithium-ion battery anode developed in the UK. The structure is the first of the 'Safevolt' project funded by the British government. A successful outcome. The project was led by Talga, in collaboration with alliance partner Johnson Matthey, the University of Cambridge and the manufacturing research group TWI.

In this project, Targa is developing a high energy density graphene silicon battery anode product, called TalnodeTM-Si, which has a significantly higher energy density than other commercial graphite anodes. Talca Managing Director Mark Thompson said TalnodeTM-Si will meet the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, which have higher capacity, increase the cruising range of electric vehicles, and increase the working hours of portable electronic devices.

Major lithium-ion battery manufacturers increase battery energy density by increasing silicon content in graphite anodes, but the use of silicon is hampered by battery life and stability issues. Talga's test results show that TalnodeTM-Si using graphene can Maintains its stability as the silicon expands, achieving higher energy density while ensuring battery life.

Recently, several automakers have indicated plans to adopt higher energy-to-weight ratios in next-generation battery packs, and other large groups in the battery anode supply chain have also used silicon technology in graphite to produce silica-based graphite. For example, Volkswagen estimates that its battery energy density can be increased by 25% from 2018 to 2025, and the goal is to use 20% silicon in battery anodes by 2020.

Higher capacity batteries can benefit the industry by extending the running time of electronic equipment or increasing the cruising range of electric vehicles. In addition, higher capacity can reduce costs because the increased energy density reduces the energy per unit in the entire battery pack ( Kw/ hr) Cost. Increased battery capacity is a very important indicator for customers, especially for Chinese customers, because China's subsidies for new energy vehicles are related to their battery energy density, and China's new energy vehicles are lucrative.

Currently, Talga is further testing and optimizing TalnodeTM-Si at the Battery Materials Plant of the Maxwell Centre at the University of Cambridge, UK, and is preparing a temporary sample of the anode for delivery to end customers in Asia under a confidential material transfer agreement. .