Gelion and Ionblox: Next-Gen LiSiS Battery Collaboration

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:

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.”