Better Batteries Hoped From Home-Grown Silicon Anode Tech

A Brisbane company has scored millions from the Australian Government to support the development of technology that could cut the costs of lithium-ion batteries and boost their capacity.

Most lithium-ion batteries today use graphite anodes. Using high-silicon anodes provides much greater energy density, but degradation challenges have remained a deal-breaker. Silicon expands three to four times its original volume as it binds to lithium ions, and as it expands and contracts, this leads to material fracture.

But perhaps remaining silicon anode hurdles will be cleared in the not-too-distant future thanks to Australian know-how.

Targeting stationary storage (such as home batteries) and electric vehicles, ASX-listed AnteoTech is developing high-silicon anode technology that the company plans to licence to future partners. Part of its secret sauce is Anteo X, which is an additive that reinforces battery binders; reducing degradation and helping maximise performance.

Lighter, Smaller, Cheaper Batteries

The firm says silicon provides a step-change improvement for batteries and claimed the following benefits in an investor presentation last year:

• Lighter: 10x more energy capacity by weight.
• Smaller: 3x more energy capacity by volume.
• Cheaper: Lower cost per unit of energy stored.
• Faster:  Fast charge performance.

AnteoTech says its technology uses fewer mined resources and low grade, unrefined silicon – and doesn’t require high heat or solvents for activation. And should it reach prime-time, it will be simple to incorporate into existing manufacturing.

$11.1 Million Project Supported By Feds

The company is receiving a helping hand from the Albanese Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), which is taking a $4 million punt to support AnteoTech’s $11.1 million Generation 2 Ultra High Silicon Anode project being run over three years. The funding will allow the company progress to a larger scale of prototyping and help bring its commercial technology to market.

“We’re investing in home-grown technology that has the potential to drive down the cost of batteries and make them more efficient,” stated Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen. “If the project is successful, it would help extend the range of electric cars and reduce the costs and size of home batteries.”

Important word there – *if*.

Technical work on the program is expected to commence this month. Anteotech’s Brisbane facility is to be expanded early next year, including implementation of a roll-to-roll (R2R) prototyping coating line. An initial technical objective for the new prototype is to exceed AnteoTech’s current target of 1,000 cycles at 80% capacity retention for large scale energy storage systems. Apparently the firm has already achieved 1,000+ cycles with more than 70% energy retention.

“This grant underscores the potential of our technology to drive global decarbonization efforts,” stated AnteoTech CEO David Radford. “ARENA’s rigorous review process validates the value of our approach, and we are excited to fast-track this innovation toward commercial success.”

Commenting on the grant, ARENA CEO Darren Miller said:

“We’re hopeful this technology has the potential to be quickly integrated in existing manufacturing processes so that the benefits can be accessed by customers in a timely manner.”

The funding is coming from ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program. ARENA is also delivering the Albanese Government’s $523 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative, which the agency is aiming to launch by the end of this year or early 2025.

“With the global demand for batteries set to grow six fold by 2030, Australia must be a player in this field,” said Federal Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic. “We’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Australia to scale-up battery manufacture in Australia and take advantage of the global transition to net zero.”