ASX-listed energy storage company 1414 Degrees is expanding its expertise in silicon-related products, gaining an exclusive licence for George Washington University’s Silicon Nanoparticle (SiNTL) Technology for battery anodes.
According to a statement from the company on Thursday – which also included news of firm commitments for a $1.2 million raise through a share placement – the SiNTL aluminium-coated silicon nanoparticle technology offers potential improvements in lithium ion battery performance.
Claimed benefits include an approximately ten times increase in theoretical capacity versus graphite anodes, with potential improvements in battery energy density, charging times and cycle life. SiNTL also has a “low-cost, scalable synthesis process” involving temperatures between 125 and 180 degrees Celsius and no hazardous gases.
“SiNTL’s novel silicon nanoparticle technology could overcome the key limitations of silicon anodes – volume expansion and instability,” said Dr Kevin Moriarty, Executive Chairman of 1414 Degrees, on Thursday.
“With a clear pathway to OEM engagement and commercialisation in the next 12–18 months, we see SiNTL as a compelling opportunity to expand beyond thermal energy storage into the fast-growing global battery market.”
Moriarty’s company described the battery materials technology as complementary to its SiBox (long-duration energy storage) and SiBrick (industrial heat and hydrogen production) and SiPHyR (hydrogen production) products.
It also cited “potential synergies” with the Aurora Energy Project, developing a grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), where this “could serve as a pathway to showcase” SiNTL in real-world conditions.
Engagement with OEMs is expected to begin in Q4 of this calendar year.
The company also said firm commitments had been received to raise $1.214 million (before costs) via a placement at $0.042 per share.
