All-solid state batteries using graphene-protected silicon anodes

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Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. (Zenyatta) is an emerging Canadian high-tech materials company based in**Northwestern Ontario which is developing a unique, igneous-related, fluid-derived source of graphite that is**more easily converted into graphene, a single atomic layer of carbon. As a graphene solutions provider,**Zenyatta is interested in implementing their technology in high-volume applications such as battery**manufacturing. In collaboration with the Pope Group at the University of Waterloo, experts in the use of**graphene and related 2D material in electrochemical devices, Zenyatta would like to use their graphene to solve**the challenges associated with high-capacity silicon anodes which are expected to replace graphite anodes in**today's Li-ion batteries. The team aims to enable solid-state battery anodes by wrapping silicon particles with a**protective layer of graphene and interfacing this graphene-wrapped powder with emerging, high-conductivity,**solid-state electrolytes. The designs aim to allow the silicon to expand and contract without causing**deformation of the outer graphene shell which will maintain ionic and electrical contact with the silicon**particles within. This is expected to eliminate all of the challenges associated with silicon anodes and**solid-state electrolytes - enabling these promising technologies. The resulting anode designs will be fabricated**into all-solid state Li-ion batteries for performance evaluation and failure analysis. The results of this project**will pave the way to safer, longer lasting, rechargeable batteries for use in electric vehicles and other green**technologies which aim to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. The success of the project**will open up more Canadian jobs and will provide a boost to the graphite economy in Canada as high-value**products are created from this abundant Canadian natural resource.