Thanks To Silicon Materials, Your Smartphone's Battery Capacity Will Increase By Ten Times

In point of fact, many researchers have claimed that the most optimal replacement for graphite in lithium-ion battery anodes is silicon. It is proven to expand the battery capacity to ten times, even though it can be harmful to the internal. Usually, there is no chemical change happen with graphite anode while a li-ion battery is charging, but with silicon, a reaction with lithium will happen which creates a great amount of alloy called lithium silicide. This compound is supposed to deteriorate the battery’s safety; however, a couple of companies are trying to fine-tune silicon sheets or particles to shroud the risk.  

Together with many companies in the market, the US-based startup Advano desires to expand its reputation without digging too deep into the issue. By manufacturing a large number of qualified silicon particles then gradually resizing them, the company will create promising results for its future. Advano also added that the company already has thousands of tons of silicon in production. 

Regarding the original material of Advano’s product, they used repurposed silicon similar to the one from solar panels. Then they process it into a carbon matrix structured by silicon nanoparticles. Gradually, fibers made by silicon carbide develop within each particle with the help of chemicals, then the fuzz created on the surface will connect with one on other particles to generate mechanical protection.  

Another way to increase the capacity of the Li-ion battery introduced by the company is by producing crystal that can improve the silicon’s operational voltage window. As a result, the cycle and charging performance of batteries will be upgraded considerably. 

To round it out, Advano ensures the huge profits that battery manufacturers can gain from using silicon nanoparticles for more powerful products. They can make money from not only the charging efficiency but also the expenditure for production as well, as published in a recent report from IEEE Spectrum.