Dutch startup LeydenJar is opening a pilot plant to manufacture new-generation batteries that utilize pure silicon anodes, which the company says can store 50% more energy than conventional lithium batteries. LeydenJar and its development partners hope to use the pilot plant to demonstrate that batteries with silicon anodes can be manufactured for the same price as traditional batteries with graphite anodes. It hopes to have the plant operational by mid-2020.

Many battery experts see silicon anodes as the next step in lithium battery development, but silicon is highly reactive with battery electrolytes. This reactivity leads to early degradation and short cycle life, which has so far stymied commercialization of the technology. LeydenJar says its patented porous silicon structure solves this problem, as the porous structure can absorb the electrolyte without damage.

Christian Rood, founder of LeydenJar, said, “Using current technology, it is difficult to up the energy contained in a battery, but LeydenJar’s approach means an increase of 50% without having to dramatically change the production process.”

Source: LeydenJar