Gelion and Ionblox: Next-Gen LiSiS Battery Collaboration
Gelion and Ionblox join forces to develop high-energy density lithium silicon sulfur cells for safe, sustainable, and cost-effective electric mobility.
November 21, 2023
Gelion, an energy storage technology company from Australia developing novel lithium-sulfur and zinc-based batteries, has just signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with Ionblox Incorporated, a California-based next-generation battery technology company developing land and air mobility applications.
The JDA aims to deliver safe, high-energy density, lower-cost lithium silicon sulfur (LiSiS) cells for the global electric vehicle (EV), electrical vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) and drone markets before progressing to the stationary energy storage market. According to Gelion, the JDA will manufacture LiSiS cells that will be poised to offer several advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries:
Achieving up to double the gravimetric energy density (approx. 400 Wh/Kg), increasing EV range between charges and effectively mitigating "range anxiety."
Introducing lighter-weight batteries to reduce the manufacturing costs for key EV components such as suspension, braking, and tires.
Implementing a revolutionary enhancement in battery safety through the intrinsic reduction in thermal events facilitated by the silicon-sulfur chemistry, thereby dramatically lowering the risk of fires and explosions.
Realizing a significant reduction in the LiSiS cell 'bill of material costs' by an estimated 35%, further driving down EV costs to enhance mass market adoption.
Decreasing the carbon lifecycle of LiSiS cells by over 30% compared to incumbent technologies, contributing to a more sustainable mass production of LiSiS batteries for EVs.
JDA program
Each of Gelion and Ionblox will leverage their technology expertise, patent portfolio protection, and leading R&D facilities in Australia and the US to develop the next-generation LiSiS cells. Gelion will optimize the sulfur cathode by incorporating and leveraging the IP Portfolio. Ionblox will provide their high-energy density pre-lithiated silicon oxide anode and optimize it appropriately for Gelion’s sulfur cathode use.
Both organizations will jointly develop and optimize a proprietary electrolyte to enable the cycle life characteristics required for EV and electric aviation applications. After the LiSiS cell development, Gelion and Ionblox will finalize their commercial arrangement to take the cells to the global market. John Wood, Gelion CEO stated, “The JDA with Ionblox continues to build momentum for Gelion’s sulfur technologies. With Ionblox we will be targeting the development of next-generation Silicon Sulfur cells for global EV and Electric Aircraft markets together. Our goal is low cost, high safety, exceptional energy density, and high cycle life aiming toward electrifying all mobility, while using materials such as Sulfur with the abundance to meet the demand to support the planets clean energy needs.”
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