Domestic 100% silicon anode based high energy density Li-ion cells for UAS, broad DOD, and dual-use applications

The availability of safer, lower weight, higher energy, domestically produced batteries is key to ensuring that DAF’s high-risk tasks, including defensive, offensive, and reconnaissance missions are more effective and the DOD maintains a strategic edge. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), small autonomous robotic ground vehicles, and DAF’s specialized applications in Directed Energy Weapons and counter small UAS (CUAS) armaments all depend on the development of next generation high energy, lightweight batteries. GDI’s 100% silicon anode provides a new Li-ion architecture to support the DAF initiatives and OUSD(R&E) Critical Technology Areas, including: Energy Resilience, Advanced Materials, and Directed Energy Weapons. Battery cells with GDI anodes can directly replace state-of-the-art silicon/graphite anodes, providing enhanced performance (e.g, >30% increased energy density, excellent operational temperature range, including operations at low temperatures, as well as high cycling rates). GDI’s 100% silicon anode is free of Chinese graphite, it can be produced on mature industrial equipment from an entirely US/NATO supply chain, leading to a more sustainable, resilient, and complete independence from Foreign Entities of Concern. This project will pair GDI’s 100% silicon anode technology with EaglePicher’s cathode and cell architecture to provide the DAF with the next generation of battery technology to power a variety of critical applications.