March 15, 2012 – BUSINESS WIRE — 3M is investing in research and manufacturing of novel silicon (Si) based battery anode materials, for mobile electronics and electric vehicles.
3M recently completed the first phase of silicon anode manufacturing capacity expansion in early 2012 in its Cottage Grove, MN, USA facility. The expansion included the installation of large-scale manufacturing equipment specialized to 3M and its proprietary anode chemistry. The facility will provide Si anode material to 3M’s global battery customers.
3M was recently granted another U.S. patent, 8,071,238 for its Silicon anode compositions that can increase cell capacity by over 40% when matched with high-energy battery cathodes. The company has invested resources and expertise toward commercialization of battery technology for 15 years.
3M also matched a recent US Department of Energy (DOE) grant for $4.6 million as part of efforts to build more energy-efficient vehicles. The research will help to develop and integrate new battery cell materials that will improve energy density and costs in electric vehicles’ lithium-ion batteries. 3M’s lithium ion battery materials include silicon anode chemistry, novel cathode technologies (nickel, manganese, cobalt) and electrolyte (salts and additives). It will integrate these cathode, anode and battery electrolyte additives, particularly its Si-based anode material.
Also read: Analysts: Li-ion output surging, prices plummeting
The research expands upon 3M’s long-standing initiatives in the battery market, to commercialize battery technology for electric vehicles and consumer electronics, noted the company in a release.
For more information about 3M battery materials, visit www.3m.com/batterymaterials.