Wildcat Discovery Technologies Granted Patent for Noncarbonate Electrolytes for Silicon Anodes
Wildcat’s successful US Dept. of Energy project yields granted patent for a noncarbonate electrolyte that outperforms fluoroethylene carbonate based solutions on silicon anodes
San Diego, CA – November 6, 2018 – Wildcat Discovery Technologies, a technology company using high throughput methods to develop improved battery materials, is pleased to announce that it has been granted a patent on the use of sulfolane-based electrolytes to improve performance of lithium ion batteries containing silicon anodes.
These novel electrolytes were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), in which Wildcat was an award recipient under the 2013 Vehicle Technologies Program Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0000793. The goal of the project was to develop novel non-carbonate based electrolytes for silicon anodes. The use of silicon anodes will enable substantial improvements in energy density at a reduced cost relative to today’s lithium-ion batteries, but their commercial adoption still requires improved electrolytes.
Wildcat’s CEO, Mark Gresser, commented, “We’re thankful to be included in this promising effort and appreciate the DOE’s confidence in our unique high throughput approach. We look forward to our next DOE grant opportunity to accelerate the discovery of better battery materials.”
Wildcat used its unique accelerated development method to prepare and evaluate over 4,000 unique electrolyte formulations during the year-long effort. Wildcat’s ability to rapidly prepare and test thousands of electrolytes enabled its scientists to evaluate a large number of new additives in its quest to find a noncarbonate electrolyte formulation that outperforms FEC-based electrolytes when cycled in full cells with a silicon anode.
If interested in testing or licensing Wildcat’s new electrolytes, please contact the company for additional information.
About Wildcat Discovery Technologies
Wildcat Discovery Technologies accelerates the discovery of new materials for energy applications, with a focus on the development of advanced materials for rechargeable and primary batteries. Wildcat’s experienced team of scientists uses proprietary high-throughput tools to rapidly develop and optimize breakthrough materials, with corporate partners throughout the global battery and materials supply chains. Wildcat has also been named one of the “50 Most Innovative Companies” by Technology Review magazine. Please visit www.wildcatdiscovery.com for more details about Wildcat and its battery work.
For more information about these new discoveries or joint development agreement opportunities, please contact:
Jon Jacobs
Wildcat Discovery Technologies
VP, Business Development
(858) 550-1980 x114
[email protected]