Project duration: 1 April 2017 – 30 September 2019
Objective
Most batteries used in mobile but also on electric vehicles applications rely on graphite anode, which is a critical raw material for Europe such as silicon metal.
So the large and still increasing markets energy supply and mobility run into resource scarcity. This resource scarcity will become even more relevant in future if we do not find efficient and sustainable substitutes for those materials. Furthermore, graphite anodes have reached their limits in terms of performances, that’s why current market expects new anodes alternatives.
The solution (technology)
The proposed approach will help to secure raw materials supply by working on two aspects. On one hand the use of silicon gas precursor to obtain silicon metal and the partial substitution of graphite. On the other hand the development of high capacity anodes is a way to reduce the anode materials quantity in batteries. The goal of the SiRIUS project is to develop high capacity silicon – carbon composites anodes for lithium ion batteries targeting high energy density applications and intermediate cycle life to meet requirements of portable electronic and automotive markets. Members of this consortium cover each vertex of the knowledge triangle, with leading partners from industry (Task partners SGL Carbon and Varta Micro Innovation, and recent associate partner Nanomakers), applied research organizations (CEA) and one university (UPPSALA University). The joint project and the linkage of synergetic capabilities and assets of the partners in SIRIUS contribute to enhancing industrial competitiveness, innovation capacity, education and environmental and social sustainability for European industry players along the whole battery value chain – from materials supplier to battery manufacturers.
Partnership
- Nanomakers, France (Lead Partner)
- Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, CEA (French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission), France
- SGL Carbon GmbH, Germany
- Uppsala Universitet (Uppsala University), Sweden
- VARTA Micro Innovation GmbH, Austria
For more information, please visit the project website.