Sigma Lithium - Lithium Anode Battery Technology

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Manufacturing advances and miniaturisation are typically focussed upon as key enablers fornew technologies, however this has led to a paradoxical state where manufacturingcapabilities exceed our ability to power devices. In this increasingly mobile world, the focushas shifted to batteries as the key to the realisation of the next generation of autonomousrobotics, computing, utilities, and flight.In 2010, the Zephyr, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, (UAV) made by the UK firm QinetiQachieved continuous flight for over 2 weeks setting an undefeated global record. After itssuccess, the team noted that one of the most significant innovations incorporated within theirdesign was a new, highly efficient battery design with dramatically increased energy density.This reduced Zephyr’s weight while allowing the plane to store more charge, so that it couldcharge by day to fly continuously within the night.With the next generation of batteries, planes like the Zephyr will be able to fly continuouslyfor months or years at end serving as readily deployable quasi-satellites which can relaycommunications in disaster zones, closely monitor ocean weather for hurricanes, and assist insearch and rescue efforts by offering real-time mapping coverage. These batteries will also beable to power the next generation of prosthetics by powering more power-intensive,sophisticated control electronics. These myoelectric and neuroprosthetics will give wearersgreater independence by lasting throughout their day without needing charge while offeringprecise control and feedback.Sigma Lithium (SL) is developing a new electrode which will enable these applications andmore by doubling the energy density of Li-ion batteries. Unlike exotic chemistries, SL’sadvances can be directly integrated with existing cells to boost capacity in a relevant timescaletoday.