Asahi Kasei develops lithium pre-doping method to boost silicon-rich LIB energy density
- Special electrolyte additives enable lithium carbonate to decompose at standard cell voltages and act as a sacrificial lithium source.
- Internal NMC cell tests with a 90% graphite/10% SiO anode showed a 10% increase in energy density.
- The method reduces first-cycle irreversible capacity loss, improves cycle life per Wh, and can be applied without major changes to existing manufacturing lines.
- Asahi Kasei plans global PoC evaluations and licensing, targeting at least 10 license agreements in fiscal 2025–2027 and a cumulative profit contribution of ¥10 billion or more by around 2030.
Technology
Asahi Kasei has developed a lithium pre-doping technology for high‑voltage lithium‑ion batteries with silicon‑based anodes that uses special additives in the electrolyte to promote decomposition of lithium carbonate at typical cell voltages. This lets lithium carbonate be pre‑added to the cathode as a sacrificial lithium source that decomposes during the initial charge to supply lithium and offset irreversible first‑cycle loss.
Performance and applicability
Internal tests on an NMC cell with an anode composition of 90% graphite and 10% SiO showed a 10% increase in energy density. The approach reduces the permanent capacity loss associated with silicon‑rich anodes, improves cycle life at a low cost per Wh, and is expected to be broadly applicable across a range of cathode and anode material systems while requiring no significant modifications to existing production lines.
Commercialisation and licensing
Asahi Kasei will pursue global proof‑of‑concept evaluations with customers and offer flexible collaboration frameworks and licensing tailored to development stages. The initiative is part of the company’s medium‑term management plan and Technology‑value Business Creation activity, which targets at least 10 new license agreements in fiscal 2025–2027 and a cumulative profit contribution of ¥10 billion or more by around 2030. Inquiries are directed to the TBC Project at [email protected].
Source: Asahi Kasei
