Jun 18 2010
Angstron Materials Inc., has teamed with K2 Energy Solutions to participate in a Department of Energy (DOE) research project for the development of hybrid nano graphene platelet-based high-capacity anodes for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
The team will commercialize its new anode technology which has the capability to capture the high charge capacity allowed with silicon over extended charge/discharge life, using a network of highly conductive yet inexpensive nanoscale graphite filaments.
Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, Angstron Materials Inc., a world leader in the production of nano graphene platelets (NGPs) developed its patented graphene material and manufacturing processes as a cost effective alternative to carbon nanotubes. NGPs offer striking material properties including the highest intrinsic strength and the highest thermal conductivity of all existing materials as well as exceptional in-plane electrical conductivity (up to ~ 20,000 S/cm)and electron mobility that is 100 times faster than silicon.
K2 Energy Solutions is based in Henderson, Nevada, with manufacturing and assembly sites in Nevada, Finland, and China. The company commercializes and manufactures rechargeable battery systems for electric vehicles and energy storage applications. The company’s battery systems are based on a lithium iron phosphate cathode material whose inherent safety and low cost makes them ideal for the large format systems required for energy storage and EV applications. Using its expertise in Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry, K2 is able to develop products based upon customer requirements.
Angstron and K2 will conduct the project over three phases with initial activity focused on demonstrating the commercial and technical viability of new high-energy anode materials. This will include delivering data on anodes capable of initial specific capacities of 650 mAh/g and achieving ~50 full charge/discharge cycles in small laboratory scale cells (50 to 100 mAh) at the 1C rate with less than 20 percent capacity fade. Phase II will target development of process technology for cost-effective production of the optimized Si-coated NGP/CNF blends.
As the project moves forward, 18650 or larger format cells will be assembled with the anode material, cycled, and examined to evaluate any failure modes under cycling and calendar aging as well as demonstrate cells that show practical and useful cycle life. Upon completion the team will introduce a new nano material platform technology for Li-ion battery anodes. A prototype Li-ion battery (with a lithium iron phosphate cathode) for vehicle applications will be constructed and tested.