Sionic Energy recently announced new joint test results with Group14 Technologies demonstrating improved elevated-temperature stability for lithium-ion cells using 100% silicon-carbon anodes. The results are relevant to electric vehicle battery development, where higher energy density, thermal stability, and long calendar life are critical requirements.
The testing combined Group14’s SCC55® silicon-carbon anode material with Sionic’s Rapid Integration Silicon Platform™, which incorporates a graphite-free silicon-carbon anode and a modified electrolyte system.
Cells were evaluated in 4 Ah, 10 Ah, and 20 Ah pouch formats with NMC 83 cathodes under electrolyte-lean conditions, a configuration commonly associated with EV applications.
Cells demonstrated stable 1C/-1C cycling at 45° C and retained more than 70% of room-temperature cycle life. Storage testing at 45° and 60° C showed reduced gas generation and lower impedance growth compared to baseline chemistries, indicating potential for improved calendar life in high-temperature environments.
The silicon-carbon anode system achieved energy densities reported up to approximately 400 Wh/kg, while maintaining cycle life exceeding 1,200 cycles in tested formats. The platform is designed to be compatible with existing cell manufacturing equipment and standard pouch cell formats, without the need for pre-lithiation, external compression, or significant cell redesign.
SCC55 employs a porous hard-carbon scaffold to manage silicon expansion and mitigate side reactions. The material has been produced at commercial scale, with reported cycle-life data ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 cycles depending on cell configuration and operating conditions.
A technical white paper with full test data is available to qualified OEMs, cell manufacturers, and investors here.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News