Sendai, Miyagi, 22 October 2024. 3DC (the Company), a Japanese manufacturer and supplier of Graphene MesoSponge® (GMS), an advanced carbon material for battery technology, is pleased to announce that it has signed a joint research agreement with Associate Professor Tetsu Nishida at Gifu University to develop high-quality silicon-based anode material, which is expected to contribute to the realization of longer-lasting and higher-capacity batteries.
Background
The importance of innovation in lithium-ion batteries
To achieve net zero emissions, the electrification of vehicles is a crucial initiative, and innovation in lithium-ion batteries is essential. Lithium-ion batteries are particularly well-suited to the storage of renewable energy and the operation of electric vehicles due to their high energy density and lifespan.
In terms of performance indicators, capacity per volume and/or weight is of the utmost importance. Since its commercialisation in 1991, the development of lithium-ion batteries has primarily focused on improving the active materials, as it has been believed that this is the most important factor affecting capacity. However, further development is required, including innovation in the surrounding material, such as the use of conductive additives.
Silicon-based anode has emerged as promising approach for capacity improvement
There is a growing focus on research into silicon-based anode materials within the industry. Silicon is a material that can absorb up to 10 times more lithium ions during the charge/discharge process compared to a conventional anode, such as graphite. As a result, it is expected that silicon will be a commercialized material for many years to come.
Among the silicon-based anode materials, the silicon-carbon composite (Si/C) anode is one of the most promising approaches. It is anticipated that Si/C anodes will outperform other silicon-based materials, such as SiO, in terms of both capacity enhancement and capacity retention. This is driving research and development efforts.
Furthermore, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a process whereby silicon is deposited within the carbon material through a gas-phase reaction, represents a promising avenue for the commercialisation of high-performance Si/C anodes.
About the Joint Research
Tetsu and the Company will be working together on a joint research project to develop GMS's application for a silicon-carbon composite using a CVD process.
Graphene MesoSponge® (GMS) is anticipated to be a valuable addition to the composite due to its higher porous volume per unit weight. This distinctive quality enables the deposition of greater quantities of silicon within the pores through CVD, resulting in a higher silicon load compared to other carbon materials.
Furthermore, GMS is effective in preventing the deterioration of Si/C anodes. Silicon has the capacity to absorb more lithium ions than graphite, but this also results in considerable volume changes during the charging and discharging cycles, which can lead to structural instability. GMS's inherent flexibility means it is well-placed to absorb these volume changes, preventing structural collapse.
By developing Si/C anodes using GMS, Tetsu and 3DC aim to achieve both higher battery capacity and longer battery life. This addresses the long-standing issue in lithium-ion batteries where increasing capacity often results in trade-offs in battery life or power performance.
About Associate Professor Tetsu Nishida of Gifu University
Dr. Tetsu Nishida received his Ph.D. in Physics from Nagoya University in March 2005. From April 2005 to July 2007, he worked as a research fellow under the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science at Tokyo Metropolitan University. In August 2007, he joined Gifu University as an Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Engineering’s Department of Mechanical System Engineering and has held his current position since April 2016.
His research focuses on thin film formation and material synthesis using CVD processes, as well as evaluating the electrical properties of microregions using atomic force microscopy (AFM). In 2013, he received the Young Researcher Award from the CVD Reaction Division of the Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan, for his research on "Analysis of Local Silicon Thin Film Formation in Silane/Hydrogen PE-CVD."
For more information, visit his lab's website: https://www1.gifu-u.ac.jp/~komilab/index.html
Goals of the Joint Research
Through this joint research with Associate Professor Tetsu Nishida, a leading expert in silicon CVD technology, 3DC aims to establish the foundational studies necessary for developing high-quality Si/C anode materials. This development will enhance the capacity and lifespan of lithium-ion batteries, contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
Seeking Business Partners for Commercialization
The technologies developed through this joint research are targeted for commercialization in partnership with manufacturers that possess expertise in silicon CVD techniques. We are actively seeking industry partners interested in collaborating on this project. Please feel free to reach out to us for further discussion.
About 3DC
3DC is a Japanese startup company that develops and manufactures Graphene MesoSponge® (GMS), with a mission of "Powering Sustainable Society withCarbon Material Innovation."
GMS, our flagship product, is reputed as one of the most advanced carbon materialsfor battery technologies, invented and developed by Dr. Nishihara, Professor at Tohoku University, as well as Co-founder and CSO (Chief Science Officer) of 3DC, and we are currently working with a number of research institutions andindustry players worldwide in order to commercialize GMS.
In February 2024, we started shipments of GMS sample products to our customers. We are now preparing to launch our first mass production facility in Japan, whichis scheduled to start operations in 2026.
For more information visit https://www.3dc.co.jp/en or follow 3DC on LinkedIn.
Join Our Team
3DC is on the lookout for individuals who are eager to join us in our mission towards achieving a decarbonized society. We are actively recruiting candidates with expertise in the following areas:
- Battery Application Research
- Materials Analysis
- Technical Sales
- Business Development
For further details, please feel free to contact us via our recruiting page below:
Recruit - 3DC Inc.
Company information
Name: 3DC Inc.
HQ: Material Solutions Center, Tohoku University, 2-1-1, Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8577, Japan
Founders: Takuma Kuroda (CEO), Hirotomo Nishihara (CSO)
Founded: February, 2022
Website: https://www.3dc.co.jp/en
Contact Infomation
For further details regarding the press release, GMS samples, or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact us via the form or email address below:
Website: https://www.3dc.co.jp/en/contact/
Email: info@3dc.co.jp
