SiNode Systems, a U.S-based developer of silicon-graphene materials for lithium-ion batteries, and JNC Corporation, a Tokyo-based specialty chemical manufacturer, have formed NanoGraf Corporationâa joint venture focused on commercializing advanced materials for the Lithium-ion battery industryâwith a $4.5-million investment. SiNode will be renamed NanoGraf.
NanoGraf’s technology aims to enhance the performance of battery materials using a proprietary graphene-wrapped silicon anode, originally invented at Northwestern University. The unique combination of silicon-based alloys and a flexible 3D graphene network reportedly helps stabilize the active material during charge and discharge. NanoGraf materials states that it enhances battery energy and power density by up to 50% and offers best-in-class cycle life.
Nanograf utilizes a wet chemistry process that is highly scalable and already proven in a pilot manufacturing line in Japan. The anode materials drop in to existing electrode mixing and coating equipment, and they have been validated in large-scale battery manufacturing facilities worldwide.
NanoGraf will use the new funding to expand commercial production of its silicon-graphene composite anode materials and to continue development of additional materials platforms. Through the partnership agreement, NanoGraf will gain production facilities in Japan, expanded distribution channels worldwide, over 50 patents, and two research facilities.
"Our new company, NanoGraf Corporation, embodies our vision to create materials solutions that will change the battery industry. Thanks to our partnership with JNC Corporation, we are well-positioned for accelerated growth as we commercialize our graphene-wrapping technology for a range of applications, from consumer electronics to electric vehicles. With our new ton-scale facility we can deliver larger volumes of material to our growing customer base". â Samir Mayekar, NanoGraf co-founder and CEO