Science Direct posted a thought piece a while ago by researchers in Shanghai, China. The team from School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics at Tongji University were investigating mechanical deformation in lithium-ion batteries. And they wondered whether a stress-based charging protocol could resolve this. Fast-forward to now, and a U.S. company appears to be successfully resolving silicon anode stress with a new product.
Silicon Anode Stress Countered With a New Battery Anode
GDI is a New York-based company, with a renewable-energy-semiconductor manufacturing background. Its current focus is on manufacturing pure silicon anodes for lithium-ion batteries, in order to achieve superior performance. EIT InnoEnergy supports the product, and reported as follows on December 19, 2023:
- Third party tests confirm the new anode material increases energy density by over 30%.
- There are no other changes to the modified battery, including electrolyte and cathode.
- The battery successfully passed the nail penetration test, using a ‘high nickel cathode’.
- The battery only warmed by 30%. There was no expansion, or thermal runaway either.
This information appears to confirm that GDI could be well on the way to resolving silicon anode stress. But how does it achieve this?
How GDI Achieves 15 Minute Rapid Charging to 80%
We came across a GDI press release that claimed both cost reductions, and faster charging. It also spoke of an anode that “can be dropped directly into existing cell production lines”, plus 80% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to graphite anodes.
The GDI press release adds the following quite remarkable claims:
- Repeated 15-minute fast charging – hundreds of times back-to-back – along with improved safety.
- Its silicon architecture, bonded directly to copper alloy foil, also delivers higher density.
“The next step is to show our anode … can enable 500 miles of range,” says Rob Anstey, GDI Founder and CEO. “While it also allows them to charge 250 miles in 15 minutes, hundreds of times, and improves safety.”
More Information
Silicon Battery Electrodes For Better Phones
Will Silicon Be the Ideal Lithium-Ion Anode
Preview Image: Silicon Anode Material
Report from School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics
