18650 batteries with GEN3 silicon-anode materials demonstrate a 30% cumulative energy return compared to graphite benchmark batteries during and up to the 650 cycle tests [1].
The Gen3 batteries delivered 2,296 Ampere-Hour (Ah) of cumulative energy return, compared to graphite benchmark batteries that only deliver 1,766 Ah.
MONTREAL, Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ, OTCQB: HPQFF, FRA: O08), a technology company specializing in green engineering of silica and silicon-based materials, is pleased to update shareholders on the latest battery milestones achieved by its France-based affiliate, NOVACIUM SAS (Novacium).
Latest results confirmed that, over 650 cycles, 18650 batteries made with Novacium’s GEN3 silicon-based anode material delivered a cumulative energy return of 2,296 Ampere-Hours (Ah), while graphite benchmark batteries, made with high-grade artificial graphite, delivered only 1,766 Ah—representing a 30% cumulative energy gain.
TESTING CONFIRMS GEN3 SILICON-ANODE PERFORMANCE
To achieve this data, we conducted rigorous testing protocols [2] on lithium-ion 18650 batteries. Two sets of three batteries were tested: one made with a blend of the same high-grade artificial graphite and Novacium’s GEN3 silicon-based anode material, and the other serving as a graphite benchmark. We then calculated the cumulative energy return of the current discharged by each battery over the 650 cycles and compared the results.
“These latest results validate the performance of our GEN3 silicon-based anode technology, and underscores its readiness for real-world applications,” said Dr. Jed Kraiem, COO of Novacium. “The results demonstrate a clear path to significantly improving energy density and battery lifespan while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes.”
“Our analysis further indicates that targeted process refinements could unlock even greater performance gains and minimize long-term degradation, paving the way for next-generation lithium-ion batteries,” added Mr. Kraiem.
BATTERY PERFORMANCE AND COULOMBIC EFFICIENCY WITH SILICON-ANODES AT 650 CYCLES
Graph 1 - A & B - English
Graph 1A presents the average capacity (in milliampere-hours, mAh) of GEN1 (orange) and GEN2 (green) batteries over a 200-cycle test, as well as the average capacity of 100% high-grade artificial graphite and GEN3 batteries (blue and yellow lines, respectively) over 650 cycles [1]. Additionally, Graph 1B highlights the relative capacity variation for the same batteries used in Graph 1A.
Graph 1A illustrates the average capacity (in mAh) of three 18650 batteries made utilizing Novacium's GEN3 silicon-based material (yellow line) compared to the average capacity of the 100% high-grade artificial graphite benchmark batteries (blue line). At 650 cycles, the three GEN3 batteries demonstrate an average capacity of 3,000 mAh, which exceeds the graphite benchmark's 2,656 mAh by 13%.
Graph 1B presents the relative capacity retention (or Coulombic efficiency [3]) of three 18650 batteries utilizing Novacium's GEN3 material (yellow line) compared to the 100% high-grade artificial graphite benchmark batteries (blue line) over 650 cycles. The key takeaway from these results is that the GEN3 batteries retain an average of 77% capacity at 650 cycles. This marks a significant improvement over the rapid degradation observed with previous GEN1 and GEN2 materials, further showcasing a notably more stable degradation profile—an encouraging step forward in material performance.
Finally, further analysis of the data suggests that minor process modifications could reduce degradation by at least 13 percent after 650 cycles.
“These results demonstrate our ability to produce a silicon-based anode material that delivers between 3,000 mAh and 3,355 mAh at 650 cycles, with Coulombic efficiency ranging from 77% to 87%,” Dr. Kraiem commented on the analysis. “The capacity and durability achieved so far are highly encouraging, and we have a clear path to further improvements.”
“Our battery material offers practical solutions for market participants, driving the growing interest we’re seeing across industries,” said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc. and NOVACIUM SAS. “By advancing our proprietary processes, we are leveraging the battery expertise and silicon anode innovations developed throughout 2024 to deliver materials with low operating costs, minimal carbon footprints, and exceptional performance.”
“This positions HPQ and NOVACIUM as key players in next-generation energy solutions that meet the industry's performance and sustainability goals,” added Mr. Tourillon.
REFERENCE SOURCES
[1]
Novacium technical team analysis of the data from the ongoing charging and discharging cycle tests conducted at a world-leading university, the name of which is kept confidential for competitive reasons.
[2]
Cycling parameters from: Ratnakumar Bugga et al. “Performance of Commercial High Energy and High Power Li-Ion Cells in Jovian Missions Encountering High Radiation Environments,” NASA Battery Workshop November 19-21, 2019.
Novacium is an HPQ - affiliated company that started in Q3 2022. This green technology startup is based in Lyon, France and is a partnership with HPQ and three of France’s leading research engineers, Dr. Jed KRAIEM PhD, Novacium's Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), Dr. Oleksiy NICHIPORUK PhD, Novacium's Chief Technical Officer (“CTO”), and Dr. Julien DEGOULANGE PhD, Novacium’s Chief Innovation Officer (“CIO”). Novacium is a new Research and Development company which allows researchers to develop their own technology in high-added-value fields connected to renewable energy and allows HPQ Silicon Inc. a Canadian company, to expand the depth and reach of its technical team to help develop its silicon and new renewable energy projects.
HPQ is developing, with the support of world-class technology partners PyroGenesis Inc. and NOVACIUM SAS, new green processes crucial to make the critical materials needed to reach net zero emissions.
HPQ activities are centred around the following four (4) pillars:
1)
Becoming a green low-cost (Capex and Opex) manufacturer of Fumed Silica using the FUMED SILICA REACTOR, a proprietary technology owned by HPQ Silica Polvere Inc being developed for HSPI by PyroGenesis.
2)
Becoming a producer of silicon-based anode materials for battery applications with the assistance of NOVACIUM SAS.
3)
HPQ SILICON affiliate NOVACIUM SAS is developing a low carbon, chemical based on demand and high-pressure autonomous hydrogen production system.
4)
Becoming a zero CO2 low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of High Purity Silicon (2N+ to 4N) using our PUREVAPTM “Quartz Reduction Reactors” (QRR), a proprietary technology owned by HPQ being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis.
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Source: HPQ Silicon Inc.
For further information contact:
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President, and CEO Tel +1 (514) 846-3271 Patrick Levasseur, Director Tel: +1 (514) 262-9239 Email: Info@hpqsilicon.com
