In the past it has been more expensive to produce batteries with silicon anodes instead of graphite. Some smart guys at the University of Eastern Finland have figured out how to do it a bit less expensive, which might allow for more dense lithium ion batteries. Tesla is currently using some silicon in anodes, but not at such a scale that would be allowed by this new process. While the article does not say much about it, it also mentions using silicon and carbon nanotubes, and also barley husk ash which is agricultural waste in future processes.



Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland introduced new technology to Li-ion batteries by replacing graphite used in anodes by silicon. The study analysed the suitability of electrochemically produced nanoporous silicon for Li-ion batteries. It is generally understood that in order for silicon to work in batteries, nanoparticles are required, and this brings its own challenges to the production, price and safety of the material. However, one of the main findings of the study was that particles sized between 10 and 20 micrometres and with the right porosity were in fact the most suitable ones to be used in batteries. The discovery is significant, as micrometre-sized particles are easier and safer to process than nanoparticles. This is also important from the viewpoint of battery material recyclability, among other things. The findings were published in Scientific Reports.

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Source: [H]ardOCP – Silicon Solves Problems for Next-gen LI Batteries