SBIR-STTR Award

This project will develop a low-cost Li-ion battery (LIB) anode material to enable electric and hybrid electric vehicles (EVs). XG Sciences (XGS) will develop an xGnP graphene nanoplatelet-based silicon (Si) nanocomposite LIB anode material to demonstrate the feasibility of 200 Wh/kg, 600 mAh/g and 1000 cycle battery performance. Using graphene platelet Si stabilization technology and advanced hydrogel-type binders, we are able to overcome the technical challenges of Si anode self-pulverization and solid-electrolyte interphase instability. The XGS low cost $20/kWh anode material results from a patented one-step, high-rate manufacturing process developed at XGS and capable of employing economical 50 micron Si raw material. Our 25,000 ft2 manufacturing facility in Lansing, Michigan is already producing 20kg/day of various forms of our high surface area graphene platelets, with a 300 kg/day scale up planned by 2013. The successful Si/graphene-based anode development is based on XGSs proprietary, highly efficient high energy exfoliation process used for the low cost production of commercial high surface area xGnP graphene nanoplatelets. The project will enable practical, immediately cost-effective commercialization of LIBs utilizing battery material that: (1) meets the cost and energy goals of the Department of Energy (DOE) and USCAR, and (2) aids in reducing dependence on foreign petroleum and greenhouse gas production by enabling vehicle electrification and supporting DOEs strategic priorities. XGS, founded in 2008 based on the exclusive license of xGnP graphene platelet manufacturing technology developed at Michigan State University, has emerged as the leading worldwide supplier of graphene nanoplatelets according to independent companies such as Cabot Corporation and POSCO, one of the worlds largest steelmakers. Each has licenses from XGS for the low-cost graphene manufacturing technology. The focus of this SBIR Phase I work will be to optimize the nano-Si/Graphene nanocomposite anode for next step Phase II and III real world demonstration and commercialization. Project partners include Georgia Institute of Technology and LG Chem Power Inc. Working with binder developed at Georgia Tech, XGS will optimize the nano-Si/Graphene nanocomposite by adjusting porosity/density and tailoring the LiPF6 electrolyte with electrolyte additive to improve cycling life at no expense of cycle efficiency and capacity. Full 250 mAh cells will be assembled by LG Chem and tested by XGS. Commercial Applications and other Benefits XG Sciences low-cost Li-ion battery anode material will help enable affordable extended range electric vehicles, smart phones and other portable consumer electronics with significantly greater run-time, and electric grid storage required by increased use of renewable energy resources.

Lithium-ion batteries are being pursued for a variety of applications including electric or hybrid electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, grid energy storage systems and distributed power generation units. The success of Li-ion batteries (LiBs) in such markets strongly depends on the cost, energy density, power capability, cycle life, and safety of the battery cells, which are largely dominated by the electrode materials used. While LiB technologies have advanced significantly, the DOE EV Everywhere program EV cell target of 400 Wh/kg with 1000 cycles, at cost of ownership comparable to conventional ICE vehicles cannot be met with current LiB chemistries, especially with graphite as the anode due to its low capacity. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop advanced anodes for future generation Li-ion batteries. Silicon is considered as the most promising anode material due to its high capacity and proper working voltage. XGS proposes to develop a high performance Silicon (Si)/graphene composite anode via a low cost process to enable EV and HEV LiB applications. With a combination of a composite Si/graphene anode structure design, LiB electrode engineering with grapheme nanoplatelets, and a proven low-cost material manufacturing process, XGS is well positioned to mass produce and sell this material in large volume once the technical barriers in battery performance are overcome. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits XG Sciences’ low-cost Li-ion battery anode material will help enable affordable extended range EVs, smart phones and consumer electronics with significantly greater run-time, and electric grid storage required by increased use of renewable energy resources.