Altech Batteries (ASX:ATC) has achieved a 55% surge in energy capacity in lithium-ion batteries, representing a “significant breakthrough” for the company.
The company says it has improved on the previous 30% energy increase in its Silumina Anodes battery material technology by blending alumina-coated silicon particles with battery-grade graphite.
As a result, this blend creates a composite graphite-silicon anode for the lithium-ion battery electrode.
Upon activation, Altech states that the composite material has now exhibited a 55% increase in capacity, compared to the traditional graphite-only anode material.
Altech adds that the batteries demonstrated good stability and cycling performance, indicating that the technology is “highly promising”.
It reports certain challenges arose in dispersing the alumina-coated silicon particles, however, these were overcome through improvements in organic binders, coating parameters, and several other innovative solutions.
After persistent efforts, the final challenges were resolved which allowed Altech to move forward with developing the next generation of batteries.
CEO Iggy Tan says progress has been made in overcoming the challenges associated with using silicon in lithium-ion battery anodes.
“Our breakthrough technology represents a major step forward in unlocking the full potential of silicon in lithium-ion batteries, and we believe it has the potential to revolutionise the battery industry,” Tan says.
Altech is currently racing to get its patented technology to the market. To support the development, the company has constructed a pilot plant adjacent to the proposed project site to enable the qualification process for its Silumina Anodes product.
The $81.3 million market capitalised company says it has completed the construction of the pilot plant, and is now in the process of host commissioning.
Altech recently completed a Definitive Feasibility Study on the Silumina Anodes Battery Materials Project to commercialise an 8,000 tonnes per year alumina-coated plant in Saxony, Germany.
The technology incorporates high-capacity silicon into lithium-ion batteries.
Altech Batteries is a speciality battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with German battery institute Fraunhofer to commercialise the CERENERGY Sodium Chloride Solid State Battery.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Altech Batteries
