Sigma Lithium - Lithium Anode Battery Technology

制造业的进步和小型化通常被认为是新技术的关键推动因素，然而这导致了一种矛盾的状态，即制造能力超过了我们为设备提供动力的能力。在这个日益移动化的世界里，人们的焦点已经转移到电池上，将其作为实现下一代自主机器人、计算、公用事业和飞行的关键。2010年，英国qinetiq公司制造的“西风”无人机（UAV）连续飞行超过两周，创造了一项不败的全球纪录。在成功之后，该团队指出，他们设计中最重要的创新之一是采用了一种新的高效电池设计，其能量密度大大提高。这减少了西风的重量，同时允许飞机储存更多的电荷，这样它就可以在白天充电，在晚上连续飞行。有了下一代电池，像“和风”这样的飞机将能够连续飞行数月或数年，最终作为随时可部署的准卫星，可以在灾区中继通信，密切监测海洋飓风天气，并通过提供实时地图覆盖来协助搜索和救援工作。这些电池也将能够为下一代假肢提供动力，为更多的电力密集、复杂的控制电子设备提供动力。这些肌电和神经义肢将给佩戴者更大的独立性，在不充电的情况下持续一整天，同时提供精确的控制和反馈。西格玛锂（SL）正在开发一种新的电极，它将使锂离子电池的能量密度加倍，从而使这些应用成为可能。与外来的化学物质不同，SL的进步可以直接与现有的细胞结合起来，在今天的相关时间内提高容量。

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.