Silicon-Graphene Nanoengineered Anode for Li-ion batteries 2

To achieve the goal of green energy transition, it is critical to expand electrical energy storage applications. Among a variety of energy storage solutions, Li-ion-battery (LiB) represents the most developed and reliable technology, which demonstrates high energy density and long-term durability and has a direct effect on enabling zero-emission solutions as part of the green transition. However, the growing market of electrical vehicles, consumer electronics and stationary energy storage needs higher energy density of LiB than what is available in the LiB market today. A great deal of effort by academia and industry has been made to improve the energy density of LiBs while maintaining the long-term performance required by the applications. While the energy density of cathode materials has almost reached the limit, finding the alternative anode candidate to the currently utilized graphite appears to be potentially the most feasible and economical approach towards high energy density. The use of Si-based anodes is viewed as the next step of the LIB technology development towards higher capacity due to its abundancy, low price and a remarkable storage capacity for the Li ions. However, substantial structural/morphological changes during charge and discharge cycles result in fast degradation of batteries fabricated with Si-based anodes. The primary goal of SIGNAL 2 is to improve the lifetime of Si-based anodes by creating a Si/graphene composite through a scalable production process. The project strategy is to utilize scalable processes of Si growth through a CVD process and the unique FORZA production technology for graphene developed by CealTech. We expect that our novel approach and the R&D results gained through this project will demonstrate an anode material which can directly be introduced into current LIB production.

The SiGNAL 2 project is a pioneering initiative aimed at developing a novel Si-C composite anode material for Li-ion batteries, synthesized from silicon nanoparticles and 3D graphene using a bottom-up approach. Building on insights from the predecessor project, SiGNAL, the project aims to devise scalable synthesis methods for the Si/Gr composite, with the goal of producing anodes that deliver a capacity of 800 mAh/g over 1000 cycles at 80% Depth of Discharge in a full cell, while maintaining 80% capacity retention. The project aligns with the thematic priorities for energy and low emissions technology and is expected to address high-density energy storage challenges for electric vehicles and other applications. With a commitment to societal impact, gender balance, and knowledge contribution, the project is anticipated to enhance the security of battery material supply in Europe, contribute to scientific discourse, and positively impact the battery industry in Norway. The strategic partnership with Elkem, a major Si producer, will further facilitate the market introduction of the proposed technology. This project will have a positive impact on other Norwegian industrial players producing silicon-based or graphene materials for the battery industry. And it will also facilitate the expansion of the battery department at Cealtech and lead to the recruitment of personnel specializing in material science, electrode design, and engineering.