Altech Batteries (ASX: ATC) has announced the successful completion of the spherification phase of its Silumina Anodes project, which incorporates high-capacity silicon into lithium-ion batteries. The process involves coating silicon particles with alumina and applying additional coatings to create spherical structures. This approach aims to mitigate long-term damage to battery electrodes caused by expansion by effectively distributing silicon within the voids of graphite.
Altech’s R&D team has optimized the silicon content to 5%, resulting in a 50% improvement in battery performance capacity. The company is focused on bringing its patented Silumina Anode technology to market and has established a pilot plant in Germany for product qualification. While the commissioning process faced initial challenges related to equipment delays and material handling of ultra-fine silicon powders, Altech’s team has resolved these issues through engineering adjustments and process optimizations. The Silumina Anodes products are now ready for evaluation and testing by potential customers.
According to Altech Managing Director Iggy Tan, spherification addresses the long-standing issues of particle swelling and rapid degradation associated with silicon in lithium-ion batteries. By coating silicon particles with alumina and leveraging spherification technology, Altech has achieved a battery with significantly higher energy density and enhanced cycle life with only a small addition of silicon. The company is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation battery technology as it progresses towards commercialization.
