Lithium ion batteries with silicon anodes from OneD
OneD Battery Science has developed a silicon nanowire technology (SINANODE) that provides anode material for lithium ion batteries with particularly high energy density. The company from Palo Alto, California (USA) is continuously improving the patented technology and is leveraging on more than ten years of research and development.
46 millimetre diameter, high energy density and long service life
EAS Batteries supports OneD Battery Science in the development of the SINANODE active material for use in round cells for the automotive industry. The aim is to develop a cylindrical cell in the 46900 format with the highest possible energy density and at the same time a long service life. In the first phase of the project, which has already been completed, EAS developed a round cell for OneD with a moderate silicon component, which has been increased in the current follow-up phases of the collaboration. Round cells are ideally suited for testing the active material SINANODE for the outdoor target application, as the steel housing of the cylindrical cells - in contrast to pouch cells – maintains constant pressure on anodes with high silicon content.
Fine-tuned cell chemistry in own round cell
EAS contributes to OneD's research and development goals on two levels. Within the Innovation Factory, EAS has the know-how in the design of 46-cell formats as well as in the development and optimisation of new cell chemistries. In addition to these top competences, EAS offers the right framework conditions with its own cell production, from prototypes to small series, to support OneD as cells with SINANODE technologies are optimized to meet the target specification of various customers.
Specifically, EAS produces cells for OneD in small quantities with low material costs, which can then be tested in various experiments. The composition of the anode and cathode material as well as the electrolyte additives varies. For example, the anode material based on silicon nanowire technology is tested on the one hand by formulations with different silicon contents and optimised on the other hand with regard to the composition of the electrolyte, separator and cathode in different stages.
EAS supplies the majority of the cells produced to OneD for further research. However, EAS retains some cells to cycle them in the test phase. With the support of EAS, OneD not only receives specially developed cells, but at the same time comprehensibly processed test results in order to understand the differentiated effects of the various coordinated formulations.
Market-ready application of silicon nanowire technology
The result of the collaboration between OneD and EAS Batteries is promising. The output capacity of the first cylindrical cells with the new silicon nanowire anode was already excellent, and subsequent prototypes have continued to increase performance, indicating the potential of the SINANODE technologies to provide market leading performance. The same applies to the service life of the cell. To increase the lifetime and energy density, the material must be processed precisely and the anode and cathode must be finely tuned to each other. In the collaboration with EAS, OneD has already achieved outstanding energy density and a significantly longer service life after phase one of the joint project. In the second phase, the two companies are developing and testing further materials and compositions. Here, too, OneD is incorporating EAS's development expertise and testing capabilities to accelerate the development of the cell.
Testimonial
"EAS Batteries is a high-quality and reliable development partner for us. The cells have matched our needs exactly from the first design. We also get all the data and details we need to further develop our SINANODE technology. Thanks to EAS's input, we know why which material compositions and which processes work well. This enables us to help the automotive industry as quickly as possible with our silicon nanowire technology. Thanks to EAS, we offer the know-how and technology for a high-capacity yet durable cell for faster and successful electrification." Vincent Pluvinage, CEO OneD Battery Science