SiLiNE Funding Project for Developing Next-Gen Batteries Extended

RENA is developing a technology for mass-production of silicon anodes

RENA Technologies is obtaining funding for the SiLiNE research project for developing and optimizing large-scale, porous silicon film anodes for lithium/silicon NMC energy storage systems. The project, which is thus now entering its second phase, is being supported by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) as part of the “Battery 2020 Transfer” initiative and comprises total funding of some EUR 6.5 million.

The project is geared toward increasing the capacity of lithium-ion batteries and developing a suitable technology that can be applied to large-scale production.
Using anodes made from pure silicon and harnessing the element’s full potential allows the
Si-LiON technology developed as part of the project to achieve ten times as high capacity as graphite anodes. Combining this technology with a manufacturing method that allows the silicon film anodes to be integrated into pouch cells* also makes their use an attractive proposition for industry.

The successful partnership with Kiel University (CAU) is being continued in the SiLiNE project, which is due to run from November 2021 to October 2024. The Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT) is also coming on board as a new partner, adding its expertise in developing pouch cells to RENA Technologies and CAU’s skills in mechanical engineering, process development, and materials science. 

In this second project, the 3,150 mAh/g porous silicon anodes created as part of its predecessor, the PorSSi project, are to be integrated into pouch cells with an energy density of up to 1,000 Wh/l. The process for manufacturing the silicon anodes is also to be optimized further with a view to mass-producing the cells.

*Pouch cells contain multiple layers of rectangular positive and negative electrodes and current collectors with corresponding layers of separators placed one on top of the other, like in a stack of paper.

CONTACT:

Technology:
Franck Delahaye

+49 07723 9313 3125
Franck.Delahaye@rena.com