US battery materials startup’s technology boosts performance

Battery materials startup Elevated Materials has brought to market ultra-thin, uniform lithium films that can be applied across graphite, silicon, and lithium metal anodes.

The manufacturer says its thin films can overcome first-cycle loss, which is when batteries lose a portion of their energy density when first charged. The startup said its technology enables the next generation of batteries to have enhanced energy density, cycle life, and charge rates.

“Today’s battery market is under immense pressure to deliver improved battery performance and lower cost,” said Elevated Materials CEO Jim Cushing. “We are helping our customers solve these challenges with our differentiated roll-to-roll vapor deposition technology. Elevated Materials’ advanced lithium films maximize energy density and provide a cost-effective solution for gigawatt-hour scale production.”

The startup launched as an independent company after being spun out of Applied Materials, a chip equipment maker, and the lithium film technology was developed over a decade by Applied Materials.

Elevated Materials was launched with investment from Applied Materials and the TPG Rise Climate fund, which was founded with the involvement of U2 frontman Bono and aims to achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. TPG is a Texan private equity company.

Elevated Materials has offices in Santa Clara, California, and Alzenau, in Germany.

From pv magazine USA.