Epsilon Advanced Materials and Daejoo Electronic Materials are joining forces to develop a new silicon-graphite composite designed to enhance lithium-ion battery discharge capacity by more than 50% and prolong battery life, thereby fulfilling the needs of contemporary electric vehicles.
Epsilon Advanced Materials (EAM), a global manufacturer of lithium-ion battery anode and cathode materials, along with Daejoo Electronic Materials (Daejoo), a South Korean producer of silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, have initiated a joint development program. The collaboration aims to create a silicon-graphite composite by merging Epsilon’s graphite with Daejoo’s silicon material, enhancing efficiency and performance in lithium-ion battery technology. The partnership, facilitated by Nagase, a Japanese trading company, is set to revolutionize battery capabilities.
The joint effort focuses on developing Gen-1 graphite-rich silicon composite anode materials, targeting a discharge capacity of 450 – 600 mAh/g. This advancement could increase battery discharge capacity by 50% and extend the lifespan by several thousand cycles. EAM is set to supply synthetic graphite to develop and assess SiOx-graphite composites in Daejoo’s laboratories. Concurrently, Daejoo will provide samples for EAM to evaluate and customize these composites in its facilities. Both companies are committed to qualifying these materials with their customers to enhance future battery products, aiming to complete the initial development phase and evaluation by the end of 2024, with subsequent steps towards material qualification with cell manufacturers.
Vikram Handa, Managing Director of Epsilon Group, emphasized the collaboration’s alignment with global clean energy and sustainable mobility initiatives, reflecting their dedication to advancing battery material technology. Dae Woon Park, Managing Director of Daejoo Electronic Materials, highlighted the partnership’s role in enhancing battery performance and facilitating growth in the Indian market. Together, they seek to develop materials that fulfil the diverse needs of their customers and contribute to sustainable development.
This advancement in silicon-graphite battery materials is poised to significantly enhance lithium-ion battery technology. By integrating the high capacity of silicon with the stability of graphite, the new materials promise improved performance over traditional graphite anodes, catering to the rising demand for higher performance, longevity, and faster charging across various high-power applications, especially in the automotive sector.
