14a Robust In-Situ Formed Polymer Electrolytes for Stabilizing High-Silicon Content Anodes

Problem or situation addressed by this application: Over 15% of global carbon dioxide emissions are attributed to over the road transportation. Electric Vehicles (EVs) have the potential to drastically reduce these emissions. Conventional lithium-ion batteries are enabling the EV revolution, however today’s batteries suffer from various challenges such as poor safety and low energy density. To enable a total electric overhaul of the worlds vehicle fleet, better batteries are needed. General Statement of how this problem is being addressed: Silicon-graphite composite anodes are the most practical method to increase the energy density of todays lithium-ion batteries. However, silicon anodes suffer from short cycle life due to volume expansion and SEI destruction during cycling. Anthro Energy is developing an advanced polymer electrolyte to stabilize high silicon content graphite composite anodes. This polymer electrolyte has extremely tough mechanical properties, forms a conformal and stable SEI, and can be introduced into battery manufacturing techniques in a scalable and cost-effective manner. In addition to improving the energy density of lithium ion batteries by enabling high-capacity anodes, this polymer electrolyte also dramatically increases safety compared to conventional liquid electrolytes. What is to be done in Phase 1: Our work in Phase 1 will follow three main tasks. 1) Formulate our polymer electrolyte to improve the cycle life of a high-silicon graphite composite anode; 2) Further push the performance of Si-Gr composite anodes by applying the polymer to electrodes with higher Si contents and higher loadings; and 3) demonstrating the commercial relevancy by deploying the polymer electrolyte in high-capacity battery pouch cells and subjecting them to USABC testing standards. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Batteries with improved safety and energy density may directly facilitate the commercialization of electric vehicles. Batteries enabled by Anthro Energy’s polymer system may also have applications in markets from consumer electronics to grid storage and beyond.