Anthro Energy, developers of scalable solutions to solve the tradeoff between battery energy density and safety, has launched its proprietary Anthro Proteus electrolyte technology.
Anthro Proteus represents a new class of injectable phase-change electrolytes that impart advanced features into lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries without changing existing manufacturing processes.
Li-ion batteries can suffer from low energy density, poor mechanical integrity, and safety issues. Many of these problems can stem from conventional liquid electrolytes, which transport ions inside the battery while charging and discharging. However, when exposed to energetic battery materials, common liquid electrolytes are toxic, flammable, and degrade rapidly.
To unlock safer, lighter, longer-lasting batteries, novel electrolyte technologies, are needed to solve the safety and stability issues plaguing conventional electrolytes.
Anthro Proteus features many advantages of solid electrolytes while being 100% compatible with widely installed battery manufacturing infrastructure. This technology is deployed like conventional liquid electrolytes by injecting a liquid precursor into the battery.
Once inside the cell, a liquid to solid transition occurs, creating a mechanically solid polymer material inside the battery without changing the standard manufacturing process. The polymer material also forms a protective secondary binder network around the battery’s active materials, unlocking improved performance and extended cycle life.
This electrolyte is non-flammable and mechanically robust, improving battery safety by reducing the frequency and severity of thermal runaway events. Additionally, its material forms a continuous interface within the battery, solving problems with interfacial resistance and allowing cells to operate with zero externally applied pressure.
Anthro Proteus electrolytes are currently used in cell production at Anthro’s facilities and will be produced in commercial quantities at the new pilot facility opening in California in mid-2025, along with Anthro Proteus-containing battery cells. Anthro has plans to further scale-up production, establishing the first large-scale facility dedicated to the domestic production of advanced battery electrolytes.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News