US lithium technology firm BioSolar has set out the next steps towards incorporating its silicon additive technology into commercial-grade lithium-ion battery prototypes.
CEO Dr David Lee said: “We anticipate that the next generation lithium-ion batteries are going to require next generation silicon anode materials that provide higher energy and power density.”
Lee told BEST Battery Briefing larger quantities of silicon anode materials incorporating BioSolar’s additives are being prepared by the company’s partners in South Korea and the US— using BioSolar’s proprietary additives and processes and raw silicon materials from Silicio Ferrosolar, a subsidiary of UK-based Ferroglobe.
“We believe our additive technology has the capability to significantly improve and exceed performance objectives for customers without disrupting their manufacturing infrastructure, and ultimately reducing cost to them as well as the end user,” Lee said.
BioSolar previously prepared its anode materials in a laboratory for testing with hundreds of coin cells. “In order to make 500-1,000 commercial-grade full cylindrical cells, however, we need larger quantities of anode materials that cannot be done in the lab. Our partners will be critical for this role,” Lee said.
The identities of BioSolar’s partners are being kept under wraps at present. Lee said “milestone target dates”— such as material preparation, and production/testing of multiple batches of prototype batteries— would also remain confidential for the time being.
Lee said material preparation for prototypes is a critical first step. Once the materials are obtained and deemed suitable for making a sufficient number of commercial grade prototype batteries, BioSolar’s technology partner— South Korea’s Top Battery— “plans to build a limited number of commercial grade 21700 lithium-ion cylindrical cells”, Lee said.
BioSolar signed a joint development agreement with Top Battery in 2017.