Angstron Materials 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.
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.