Can Sila Nanotechnologies scale up battery materials production without strategic partners?

March 12, 2021 | Case Study

Silicon anodes are expected to be the next big breakthrough in Li-ion battery technology. Although commercial production of silicon-graphite composite anodes struggles to use up to 10% silicon, many startups claim they can produce a battery cell with upward of 80% silicon loading to extend energy density up to 350 Wh/kg. With a suitable precursor material and adoption of a roll-to-roll compatible production process, silicon composite anodes can be cost-competitive with current state-of-the-art Li-ion battery cells. However, the numerous possible approaches to incorporating silicon into anodes have led to a saturated startup landscape. Each company claims either impressive energy densities above 300 Wh/kg or extended cycle life.