Dutch battery manufacturer LeydenJar has developed and produced lithium-ion batteries with a 100% silicon anode capable of delivering 500 charge-discharge cycles without requiring any external pressure, overcoming a key limitation of next-generation anodes.

Silicon anodes offer the potential of higher energy density for lithium-ion batteries when replacing traditional graphite anodes. However, a major challenge has been the tendency for silicon to swell during charge-discharge cycles. This swelling can damage the cell internally, causing early degradation and failure.

Researchers typically use heavy clamps to apply high amounts of external pressure to cells that have silicon-dominant anodes during operation to maintain the anode’s structural integrity. This limits the practicality of silicon anodes.

LeydenJar’s silicon anode features a porous architecture that effectively accommodates the expansion and contraction of the silicon during cycling, ensuring the structural integrity and long-term performance of the cell.

The company is exploring new applications in sectors such as electric vehicles, energy storage and wearables.

Source: LeydenJar