Altech Batteries Ltd Stock Market Press Releases and Company Profile
Breakthrough Silicon Alumina Coating Development
Breakthrough Silicon Alumina Coating Development

Perth, Mar 15, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Altech Chemicals Limited (googlechartASX:ATC) (googlechartA3Y:FRA) is pleased to announce the successful application of its alumina nano layer coating technology to the coating of silicon particles, typical of those used in anode applications within lithium-ion batteries.

The successful application of Altech's technology to coat silicon particles follows its 22 December 2020, announcement where the Company provided details of its success in the alumina nano layer coating of graphite particles typical of those used in a lithium-ion battery.

Extending the application of the technology to the coating of silicon particles is a significant breakthrough for Altech, especially in the context of a recent public statement of US electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla, that its aim is to increase the amount of silicon in its batteries to achieve step-change improvements in energy density and battery life. Silicon has a significant advantage over graphite for use in lithium-ion battery anodes in that it has ten times the theoretical energy capacity compared to graphite. However, limitations for silicon use in battery anodes have included particle volume expansion of up to 300% when energised, and a large "first cycle lithium loss". Industry believes that the encapsulation of silicon particles via the application of a nano layer of alumina can resolve these issues and be a "game changer" which would pave the way for increased lithium-ion battery energy density, lifespan and reduced first cycle lithium loss.

To test its fine particle alumina coating technology, Altech used silicon samples that were provided by its collaboration partner Silico Ferrosolar, a subsidiary of the Ferroglobe Group. The nano coating of alumina onto lithium-ion battery grade anode materials such as silicon, has been very difficult for industry to achieve. In the case of silicon particles they have unique characteristics that required Altech's coating technology to be adjusted in order to achieve the required outcome. As seen under the microscope (Figure 1), Altech was able to deposit a uniform and consistent layer of alumina on the outer edge of the silicon particle, encapsulating the particle, this is Altech's alumina coating technology.

Altech's general manager operations and chief scientist, Dr Jingyuan Liu said that verification of Altech's coating technology on silicon particles is very exciting for the Company. "We are very encouraged by the excellent coating results achieved from the application of our technology, it has the potential to significantly increase the use of silicon in lithium-ion battery anode and consequently the potential to increase battery energy density, overall performance and longevity. The next step is to further optimise the coating process", he said.

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About Altech Batteries Ltd

Altech Chemical Ltd ASX:ATCAltech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS ("Fraunhofer") to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns. 

The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech's land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.

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Contact

Corporate
Iggy Tan
Managing Director
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com

Martin Stein
Chief Financial Officer
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com



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