US chemical company Ashland has developed a water-based binder for high-capacity silicon-based anodes in lithium-ion batteries.
The Soteras™ MSi anode binder can be used with silicon to increase the capacity of lithium-ion batteries by as much as 30%, claims the Kentucky-based firm.
The technology may prove significant, especially for cell producers supplying the electric vehicle market as they aim to increase energy density.
Ashland claims the Soteras™ MSi controls swelling, resulting in higher cycle performance at capacities greater than 400mAh/g when used with silicon dioxide, silicon composite, silicon oxidecomposite, or silicon graphene technologies.
Dr. Robert Gibbison, marketing director, Industrial Specialities, Ashland, said: “As the adoption of lithium-ion batteries moves from consumer electronics to electric vehicles and mass storage, there is an increasing requirement for higher capacities and improved safety.
“The range of Soteras™ binders, including Soteras™ MSi, can help cell producers achieve these goals without substantially altering standard manufacturing processes.”
Ashland is set to launch the product at next month’s Battery Japan.