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Nano‑Structured Carbon/Silicon Composite for High Energy, Long Cycle Life Lithium‑Ion Batteries--TIAX, LLC, 15 Acorn Park, Cambridge, MA 02140; 617‑498‑5655; www.tiaxllc.com

Dr. David Ofer, Principal Investigator, ofer.david@tiaxllc.com

Ms. Renee Wong, Business Official, wong.renee@tiaxllc.com

DOE Grant No. DE‑FG02‑06ER84580

Amount: $749,868

Battery-powered electric vehicles (EVs) require energy storage devices with high specific energy, but currently available lithium-ion systems can not meet the energy and power goals for EVs. Lithium-ion cells are needed that provide at least 150 Wh/kg, 230 Wh/l, 300 W/kg, and 460 W/l; have a life of 1000 cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge; have a calendar life of at least 10 years; and are made with materials costing less than $10/kg. To meet this need, this project will develop a high-capacity, long-cycle-life, nanostructured, silicon/carbon composite anode material, made using low cost materials and processes. In Phase I, the synthesis of the nano-scaled silicon material was demonstrated. A model was developed to demonstrate the potential impact of nanostructured silicon/carbon composite anodes on Li-ion cell energy; it was shown that the composite could enable the above-listed performance targets to be attained. In Phase II, the composite of nano-scaled silicon with carbon will be developed, and its performance will be demonstrated in scaled-up Li-ion batteries.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The proposed low cost material should have broad commercial applicability in small portable power lithium-ion batteries for consumer electronics and power tools, as well as in large lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.