ANGSTRON MATERIALS AND K2 ENERGY SOLUTIONS SELECTED BY DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY TO DEVELOP HYBRID NANOMATERIAL FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
07.17.2010
DAYTON, Ohio—(June 17, 2010) Angstron Materials Inc., has teamed with K2 Energy Solutions to participate in a Department of Energy (DOE) research project for the development of hybrid nano graphene platelet-based high-capacity anodes for Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The team will commercialize its new anode technology which has the capability to capture the high charge capacity allowed with silicon over extended charge/discharge life, using a network of highly conductive yet inexpensive nanoscale graphite filaments.
Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, Angstron Materials Inc., a world leader in the production of nano graphene platelets (NGPs) developed its patented graphene material and manufacturing processes as a cost effective alternative to carbon nanotubes. NGPs offer striking material properties including the highest intrinsic strength and the highest thermal conductivity of all existing materials as well as exceptional in-plane electrical conductivity (up to ~ 20,000 S/cm)and electron mobility that is 100 times faster than silicon.
K2 Energy Solutions is based in Henderson, Nevada, with manufacturing and assembly sites in Nevada, Finland, and China. The company commercializes and manufactures rechargeable battery systems for electric vehicles and energy storage applications. The company’s battery systems are based on a lithium iron phosphate cathode material whose inherent safety and low cost makes them ideal for the large format systems required for energy storage and EV applications. Using its expertise in Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry, K2 is able to develop products based upon customer requirements.
Angstron and K2 will conduct the project over three phases with initial activity focused on demonstrating the commercial and technical viability of new high-energy anode materials. This will include delivering data on anodes capable of initial specific capacities of 650 mAh/g and achieving ~50 full charge/discharge cycles in small laboratory scale cells (50 to 100 mAh) at the 1C rate with less than 20 percent capacity fade. Phase II will target development of process technology for cost-effective production of the optimized Si-coated NGP/CNF blends. .
As the project moves forward, 18650 or larger format cells will be assembled with the anode material, cycled, and examined to evaluate any failure modes under cycling and calendar aging as well as demonstrate cells that show practical and useful cycle life. Upon completion the team will introduce a new nano material platform technology for Li-ion battery anodes. A prototype Li-ion battery (with a lithium iron phosphate cathode) for vehicle applications will be constructed and tested.
ABOUT ANGSTRON MATERIALS
Angstron Materials leads the industry as the only advanced materials company to offer large quantities of both pristine graphene and oxidized graphene. Multi-layer graphene, both pristine and oxidized versions, are collectively referred to as nano graphene platelets (NGPs). NGPs offer improved performance properties including very high Young’s modulus, strength and surface area, superior thermal and electrical conductivity, lower density and less weight. NGPs are also resistant to gas permeation. As a result, Angstron is able to work with companies to develop products for batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, light weight structural components as well as electromagnetic interference (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI), electrostatic discharge (ESD), lightning strike and other functional and structural composite applications. In addition to its ability to provide sample materials and scale-up, Angstron partners with customers to help manufacturers identify optimal designs, experience with research and development to help manufacturers harness the advantages of nano compositions and manufacturing processes. Available in a wide range of geometries, NGP products are easily surface functionalizable for polymer and common solvent applications and offer high loading potential for nanocomposite applications. Angstron combines real world technology to make next generation products in the aerospace, automotive, energy, marine, construction, electronics, medical, and telecommunications markets.
For more information visit www.angstronmaterials.com
ABOUT K2 ENERGY SOLUTIONS
K2 Energy Solutions, Inc. was founded to commercialize and manufacture rechargeable battery systems for electric vehicles and energy storage applications. The company’s battery systems are based on a lithium iron phosphate cathode material whose inherent safety and low cost makes them ideal for the large format systems required for energy storage and EV applications. K2 differentiates itself as a solutions provider for large format battery packs and systems, developing products based upon customer requirements and utilizing expertise in Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry.
K2 is a private corporation headquartered in Henderson, Nevada, with manufacturing / assembly sites in Nevada, Finland, and China. For more information, visitwww.peakbattery.com.
