3M invests in silicon anode for lithium-ion batteries

3M is investing in research and manufacturing of novel Silicon (Si) based 3M anode materials. The technology enables advanced batteries for reliable power that is required to keep up with the global increase of mobile societies and electric vehicles. 3M was recently granted another US patent -- 8,071,238 -- for its Silicon anode compositions that can increase cell capacity by over 40 percent when matched with high-energy battery cathodes. 3M’s investments into the high-energy metal based anode for lithium ion batteries include matching 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 cell materials that will make a transformative change in energy density and in cost in lithium ion batteries used in electric vehicles. Especially critical to the project success is 3M’s Si based anode material.