14. 1D Silicon anodes from Sila Nanotechnologies

Battery 1 Minute
Why is BMW investing in this company?

2017 Sila US9673448

Professor Gleb Yushin’s page

Sila Nanotechnology

Secondary particle of Sila’s silicon anode depicting the 1D carbon whiskers for electron conductivity and the silicon nanoparticles for lithium capacity

Anodes with silicon active materials may offer more than 2x the capacity of anodes with graphite active materials and improved rates of operation due to a low risk of lithium plating. A 1D architecture consists of ultrathin wires or whiskers as opposed to ultrathin sheets (2D). Emerging from the lab of professor Gleb Yushin, Sila Nanotechnologies focuses on such electron conductive wires (carbon based) decorated with silicon nanoparticles. This concept provides a highly porous secondary structure where the silicon particles have room to expand and contract without cracking the overall anode structure and is claimed to work well with liquid electrolyte systems. This podcast dissects a 2018 patent which claims Sila’s core silicon anode technology.

Published by Claudiu “Bobby” Bucur

Claudiu B. Bucur obtained his Ph.D. in 2008 from Florida State University under the mentorship of distinguished Leo Mandelkern Professor of Polymer Science, Joseph B. Schlenoff. He studied the manner in which polyelectrolyte multilayers assemble, and how doping them with ions changes their mechanical and thermodynamic properties. In 2010 he completed his postdoctoral studies at the USDA Agricultural Research Service Labs, where he investigated corrosion inhibition via biomembranes. Dr. Bucur then joined the Post Lithium Ion Research Group at the Toyota Research Institute of North America, where he focused on metallic anodes such as magnesium, lithium, sodium, and their electrolytes as well as high capacity conversion cathodes such as the sulfur cathode. He expanded upon his experience with polymers, corrosion, and interfaces and was able to advance many areas in the battery field. Currently, Dr. Bucur is Chief Engineer for new battery and solid electrolyte projects at Great Wall Motor, the largest SUV manufacturer in China. He is fascinated by energy storage and dreams of creating the ultimate battery.

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