Xerion Advanced Battery Corp (XABC) proposes Advanced Battery Manufacturing Techniques for High Performance, Low Cost Lithium Ion Batteries. XABC has developed a 3D battery electrode called StructurePore that allows for rapid ion and electron transport, enabling 5 minute charge times at 280Wh/kg on a positive + negative electrode basis. StructurePore batteries utilize a novel manufacturing method, electroplating, which typically is not used in battery manufacturing. Electroplating allows usage of material precursors that are inherently cheaper than refined ceramic powders. These precursors may be cheaper (10-30%) or significantly cheaper (1x-5x) depending on purity. A 53% reduction in raw material cost has been shown to reduce total cost ($/kWh) by 30% at large volume. Furthermore, electroplating reduces process complexity; resulting in decreased reliance on milling and sintering, thus further reducing costs. Due to their ability to handle high power, StructurePore batteries have inherently low internal resistance, which decreases thermal buildup and stress under normal and even extreme conditions. A 3D conductive current collector, built into all StructurePore batteries, helps to dissipate heat without the need for heat sinks or extensive modification. All of this results in a product that is inherently safer than a traditional 2D lithium ion battery.
