Altech Batteries has achieved a major milestone with its Silumina Anodes™, delivering 88.5% capacity retention after 500 cycles and a 40% capacity boost over graphite anodes. This advancement promises longer electric vehicle ranges and lighter battery packs.
- 5% Silumina Anodes addition retains 88.5% capacity after 500 cycles
- Initial capacity of 500 mAh/g, over 40% higher than graphite-only anodes
- Spherical alumina-coated silicon mitigates electrode swelling and degradation
- Saxony pilot plant confirms consistent, scalable production
- Potential for longer EV range, lighter packs, and improved battery efficiency
A Breakthrough in Battery Anode Technology
Altech Batteries Limited (ASX, ATC) has announced a significant advancement in lithium-ion battery technology with its proprietary Silumina Anodes™. The company’s latest tests reveal an impressive 88.5% capacity retention after 500 charge–discharge cycles when incorporating just 5% of their alumina-coated spherical silicon material into graphite anodes. This result not only surpasses typical graphite-only anode performance but also demonstrates reproducibility and process stability, marking a critical step toward commercial viability.
Silicon’s ability to store nearly ten times more lithium ions per gram than graphite has long been recognized as a game changer for battery energy density. However, silicon’s tendency to expand up to 300% during charging has historically caused rapid capacity loss and mechanical failure. Altech’s innovation lies in its spherical alumina coating, which buffers this expansion and preserves electrode integrity, effectively overcoming a major hurdle in silicon anode adoption.
Implications for Electric Vehicles and Beyond
The practical benefits of this technology are substantial. While conventional graphite anodes typically degrade to around 230–250 mAh/g capacity after 500 cycles, Altech’s Silumina Anodes™ maintain a robust 420 mAh/g capacity at the same interval; equivalent to the starting capacity of many current EV batteries. This translates into either longer driving ranges without increasing battery size or lighter, more compact battery packs that improve vehicle efficiency.
Beyond electric vehicles, the enhanced volumetric energy density offers advantages for portable electronics, drones, and aerospace applications where space and weight are critical. The 40–50% capacity improvement at the anode level could yield a 20–25% increase in total cell energy, simplifying battery design and reducing costs across multiple sectors.
Scaling Up Production in Saxony
Altech is already moving toward commercialisation with its pilot plant in Saxony, Germany, producing consistent, high-quality Silumina Anodes™. The facility supports product qualification and process optimisation, with trials underway using various silicon sources to ensure supply chain resilience. This operational readiness underscores Altech’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for advanced battery materials in Europe’s expanding EV market.
Managing Director Iggy Tan highlighted the significance of these results, stating that the breakthrough positions Altech at the forefront of next-generation anode materials, unlocking longer-lasting, higher-capacity lithium-ion batteries. The company’s patented technology and scalable manufacturing approach could soon redefine industry standards.
Looking Ahead
As the global battery industry races to improve energy density and longevity, Altech’s Silumina Anodes™ offer a compelling solution that balances performance with durability and safety. The company’s progress in overcoming silicon’s traditional limitations opens new avenues for mainstream adoption, particularly in the automotive sector where battery performance is paramount.
Bottom Line?
Altech’s Silumina Anodes™ breakthrough could reshape lithium-ion battery performance, setting the stage for next-gen EVs and energy storage solutions.
Questions in the middle?
- When will Altech secure commercial contracts with major EV manufacturers?
- How will competing silicon anode technologies respond to Altech’s breakthrough?
- What are the projected timelines and costs for scaling Silumina Anodes™ production?