BOSTON, May 22, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Author: Dr Alex Holland,
Research Director at IDTechEx
Maximizing energy density has been one key area of focus in
electric vehicle battery development. Optimizations in cell and
battery pack designs, alongside the use of higher nickel NMC and
NCA cathodes, have led to steady improvement in battery energy
density over the past 10-15 years. The energy density limit from
current design and material iterations has largely been maximized.
However, a promising contender is emerging on the horizon to offer
a step-change improvement – silicon. IDTechEx forecast the market
for silicon anode material for Li-ion batteries to exceed
US$24 billion by 2034.
This article draws from the new IDTechEx report, "Advanced
Li-ion Battery Technologies 2024-2034: Technologies, Players,
Forecasts", which includes analysis on the latest in silicon anode
developments.
Silicon anode performance benefits
Silicon has a theoretical capacity of nearly 3600 mAh/g (at room
temperature), offering the possibility to significantly boost
energy densities by replacing graphite, which is used as the anode
material in the vast majority of Li-ion batteries. By replacing
graphite, which has a capacity of approximately 360 mAh/g, with
silicon, cell-level energy densities in excess of 400 Wh/kg and
1000 Wh/l become feasible, with the potential to nearly double the
energy density of state-of-the-art commercial cells in 2024. This
leap in energy density could translate into electric vehicles with
twice the range or electronic devices with twice the runtime.
But the benefits of silicon extend beyond just capacity and
energy density. Many silicon anode companies are reporting improved
power and fast charging capabilities, an increasingly important
performance metric for electric vehicles, as well as other
applications such as power tools or consumer devices. Additionally,
the more positive voltage of silicon compared to graphite helps
reduce the risk of lithium plating, enhancing battery safety,
another increasingly important concern for the industry.
Commercialization efforts ramping up
Currently, silicon oxides can only be used at relatively low
weight percentages, <10%, but tens of companies, both large and
small, are racing to develop advanced silicon anode materials that
can enable higher silicon percentages in batteries.
Silicon-dominant compositions remains the aim for a number of
players. The battery industry has taken notice of silicon's
potential. IDTechEx estimate that over US$4
billion of investment has gone into silicon anode start-ups.
Some of this is now starting to go toward the expansion of
manufacturing capabilities, capacities, and supply chains.
Importantly, the materials and solutions being developed by some of
these companies are also starting to be qualified and deployed.
Sila Nano have had materials used in
the Whoop fitness wearable, Amprius have deployed batteries in
drones and high-altitude pseudo satellites (HAPS), while Lightning
Motors will offer e-motorcycles using Enevate's technology.
Automotive OEMs have also taken note of the promise of silicon
anodes, with the likes of Daimler, Porsche, and GM investing and
partnering with silicon anode companies.
Challenges remain
However, challenges remain to the widespread commercialization
of silicon beyond its use as an additive. Silicon's significant
expansion during cycling can lead to issues such as excessive
electrolyte consumption, electrode pulverization, and loss of
electrical contact, hence the use of silicon at relatively low
percentages in the anode. Significant effort has gone into
overcoming these hurdles, and data being reported suggests that
cycle lives of up to 1000 cycles are attainable, making silicon
broadly suitable for electric cars.
Beyond cycle life, shelf life remains a concern, while in the
short-medium term, silicon anode materials will most likely
continue to come in at a price premium over graphite on a US$/kWh
basis. This may restrict their deployment to applications where
price sensitivity is lower, such as high-end electric vehicles,
military applications, or some electronic devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, advanced silicon anode materials hold immense
promise for improving key aspects of battery performance, but
challenges such as cycle life, shelf life, and, importantly, cost
must be addressed for widespread adoption. Nonetheless, the
deployment of higher percentage silicon content anodes in various
applications looks imminent. Increasing scale and continued
innovation also provide optimism for driving down the costs of
silicon-based anode materials, making them accessible for important
mass-market EV segments. For IDTechEx's coverage and analysis on
the variety of silicon anode technologies, 30+ players developing
materials and solutions, and the latest commercialization efforts,
see their report "Advanced Li-ion Battery Technologies 2024-2034:
Technologies, Players, Forecasts".
To find out more about this report, including downloadable
sample pages, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/AdvLithium.
For the full portfolio of batteries and energy storage market
research from IDTechEx, please see
www.IDTechEx.com/Research/ES.
About IDTechEx:
IDTechEx provides trusted independent research on emerging
technologies and their markets. Since 1999, we have been
helping our clients to understand new technologies, their supply
chains, market requirements, opportunities and forecasts. For more
information, contact research@IDTechEx.com or
visit www.IDTechEx.com.
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SOURCE IDTechEx