SUNRISE (Synthomer UCL Nexeon Rapid Improvement in the Storage of Energy)

The SUNRISE project will deliver a novel silicon anode material for advanced lithium ion batteries. Silicon has a great affinity for lithium and can (in theory) deliver up to 9x the energy density of graphite on a gravimetric basis. Nexeon's material design is highly innovative. In conjunction with an anode binder from Synthomer and supported by UCL's Electrochemical Innovation Lab, this project will identify optimum process conditions and materials design delivering highest energy density, lowest first cycle loss, lowest volume change and best capacity retention during use. The project will utilise new infrastructure in the National Battery Manufacturing Development Facility to have built batches of automotive Li-ion cells for testing in conjunction with direct material sampling to automotive OEMs and leading cell manufacturers.