Lithium Australia eyes silicon anodes for Li batteries

Alternative lithium products developer Lithium Australia has agreed partnership terms with a battery researcher to develop advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

It plans to establish facilities to develop graphite/silicon anodes, as well as a commercialisation programme, it said in a statement.

Previously tested prototypes of the anode materials have indicated the potential to increase the energy density in lithium-ion batteries.

While the use of silicon to improve battery performance is not new, introducing it into anodes in the quantity needed to improve performance and maintain reliability and longevity "has so far proved problematic," the company said.

The first stage of the development programme will commence immediately with the establishment of a laboratory and testing facilities in Queensland. Lithium Australia already has a pilot plant as part of its goal to produce advanced components for the lithium-ion battery industry.

"The development of advanced anode materials is an opportunity to significantly increase battery performance with subsequent environmental benefits. This new arrangement — the perfect adjunct to our existing cathode technology — will target higher-performance products with a more sustainable production profile," Lithium Australia managing director Adrian Griffin said.

The company has developed extraction processes to convert lithium silicates, including mine waste, into lithium chemicals. It is also investigating the recycling of used batteries and electronic waste as part of its objective of establishing a vertically integrated lithium processing business.