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In a notable development from Perth, Australia, Altech Batteries Limited (ASX: ATC, OTC: ALTHF) has revealed a promising opportunity stemming from its Silumina Anodes(TM) project. A leading global manufacturer, recognized as one of the largest producers of electric vehicle batteries, has expressed significant interest in Altech’s proprietary technology, which enhances battery performance through silicon innovations. This unsolicited inquiry underscores Altech’s progress, highlighting the increasing recognition of its unique alumina-coated silicon advancements.
Following preliminary discussions, both parties executed a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to facilitate confidential exchanges and technical assessments. Altech has since provided samples of its Silumina Anodes(TM), developed under the expert guidance of Chief Technical Officer Dr. Jingyuan Lui, to the Battery Group. These samples have been dispatched to the manufacturer’s advanced testing facilities in China for formal evaluation.
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Significance of the collaboration
During initial talks, representatives from the Battery Group highlighted their limited exposure to silicon additions that yield impressive performance improvements at low volume percentages. Historically, incorporating silicon into commercial lithium-ion anodes has faced numerous challenges, such as volume expansion, unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and accelerated cycle-life degradation. Altech’s innovative approach achieves remarkable performance with minimal silicon content, receiving positive feedback.
The Battery Group noted that very few suppliers globally can match the stability, consistency, and practical application of Altech’s silicon additives. This feedback reinforces the competitive edge of Altech’s technology and its potential to disrupt traditional battery material formulations.
Further testing initiatives
Additionally, the Battery Group has requested Altech to conduct coating trials on their supplied graphite materials to evaluate performance enhancements derived from integrating Altech’s specialized alumina technology onto their anode substrates. Under the NDA, the Battery Group has sent several kilograms of representative graphite samples to Altech’s laboratory in Perth. Dr. Lui’s team will apply the coating process and prepare evaluation batches for further testing.
Advancements in silumina testing
Altech celebrated a major milestone in its Silumina Anodes(TM) project, reporting the best battery-cycling performance recorded to date for its alumina-coated spherical silicon anode material. Subsequent test results have revealed an impressive 83% capacity retention after 1,000 charge-discharge cycles with just a 5% addition of Silumina Anodes(TM) to a conventional graphite anode. This achievement not only confirms the durability of Altech’s technology but also signals its significant potential for real-world commercial application.
The cycle-life performance of this material positions Altech at the forefront of next-generation silicon-enhanced anode technologies, solidifying its role in the rapidly evolving battery materials market.
Manufacturing process of silumina anodes
Altech’s innovative manufacturing process transforms irregular silicon particles into perfectly rounded, alumina-coated spheres optimized for integration with graphite anodes. The process begins with submicron silicon powders, which are uniformly coated with a nanolayer of high-purity alumina. This coating acts as a buffer against volume expansion during the lithiation process.
These coated particles undergo a precision-controlled thermal and mechanical spherization process, yielding rounded geometries that fit seamlessly within the graphite matrix. When blended with graphite, these spherical Silumina Anodes(TM) particles occupy microscopic voids, allowing for natural expansion and contraction during battery cycling without compromising structural integrity. This configuration effectively mitigates mechanical stress, maintains electrode stability, and enhances electrical connectivity. A mere 5% addition results in over a 40% capacity boost while ensuring exceptional cycle stability over prolonged usage.
Altech’s Managing Director, Iggy Tan, conveyed enthusiasm regarding this partnership, stating, “The engagement from one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers is a powerful endorsement of our Silumina Anodes(TM) technology. Their early insights, particularly noting the unprecedented effectiveness of silicon additions at low levels, emphasize the importance of our breakthrough innovations. We eagerly anticipate advancing this collaboration and showcasing how Altech’s coating technology can further amplify their graphite and overall anode performance.”
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