New flexible battery material could boost drone, EV range by 45%

Dallas-based Solidion Technology has developed a silicon-rich, high-capacity anode for lithium-ion batteries that could extend drone flying ranges and electric vehicle (EV) driving distances by up to 45%. This innovation uses a flexible rubber matrix to incorporate silicon into the anode with a spherical morphology, enhancing structural integrity and lithium-ion utilization for improved energy output. The anode combines a graphene-silicon composite with various forms of graphite, allowing versatile integration into different anode structures and compatibility with a wide range of binders, facilitating scalable and cost-effective manufacturing. A key advantage of Solidion’s technology is its avoidance of chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a conventional manufacturing step that uses explosive gases like silane, posing safety risks and increasing costs. Instead, Solidion employs a silane-free process, using encapsulated silicon and metallurgical-grade or reclaimed silicon feedstock to reduce expenses. Their patented anodes can contain 45-95% silicon by weight, significantly boosting battery performance and range.