Low-cost micron-Si Anodes for Non-flammable, High Energy-Density Lithium-ion Batteries

Under the proposed Department of the Navy Small Business Innovation Research Phase I program, SiILion, Inc. will leverage its experience developing the micron-Si/mRTIL/NMC[622] and micron-Si/mRTIL/NMC[811] systems to increase cell performance in terms of high rate cycling, wide temperature range capacity retention, and extended cycle-life, which is typically limited by the Si anodes intrinsic characteristics. SiILion proposes to incorporate small amounts of conventional graphite active materials into micron-Si based anode composites to enable high rate stability. The final product of the proposed Phase I project will be a 50+ mAh pouch-cell comprising a high-voltage nickel-rich oxide cathode, a high-capacity micron-Si based anode composite, and a non-flammable RTIL-based electrolyte. If successful in significantly increasing the micron-Si based anodes rate capabilities to improve overall performance and capacity retention for an extended cycle-life, the proposed technology will be able to achieve at least a 90% increase in specific energy relative to state-of-the-art across a wide range of temperatures and rate protocols, meeting Navys current high power aircraft operational, electrical, and environmental requirements.