Asahi Kasei has developed a lithium pre-doping technology for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with silicon-based anodes, addressing the irreversible capacity loss that typically occurs during the first charge–discharge cycle in silicon-rich cells. Internal tests with a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cell using a 90% graphite and 10% silicon monoxide anode demonstrated a 10% increase in energy density.

The technology uses electrolyte additives to promote decomposition of lithium carbonate at standard LIB cell voltages, allowing lithium carbonate to be pre-added to the cathode as a sacrificial lithium source. This approach compensates for silicon anode capacity loss at lower cost and without significant modification to existing battery manufacturing lines.

Silicon-based anodes are increasingly used in high energy density batteries for EV applications but suffer irreversible capacity loss during initial charging. The conventional compensation of adding more cathode active material increases cost, making lithium carbonate’s low price an attractive alternative feedstock for pre-doping.

Asahi Kasei plans to license the technology through its Technology-value Business Creation (TBC) initiative, offering proof-of-concept (PoC) evaluations tailored to customers’ development stages. The company targets at least 10 new licence agreements during fiscal years 2025–2027 and a cumulative profit contribution of JP¥10 billion (US$63 million) or more by around 2030.

Source: Asahi Kasei