The Nanode is a nanoporous conductive membrane that provides a three dimensional matrix as a low cost support for electrodes. It is fabricated using commodity raw materials and chemicals, and manufacturing processes are in development for production on a roll-to-roll line.

The Nanode is combined with tin and tin alloys to form high energy anodes for lithium ion batteries. A thin film of active material is applied to the extremely high surface area of the conductive substrate which acts as the current collector. This has been shown to achieve greater energy at higher discharge rates compared to graphite anodes. Testing has been performed from 1 to 10C discharge rates at 100% depth of discharge paired with commercial NCM cathodes.

In addition, the nanoporous structure accommodates the expansion of the thin film of tin within its pores, reducing the overall electrode expansion/contraction occurring on charge/discharge of the anode.

Altogether, the low cost production, high energy at high rate, and reduced expansion of this anode provide a beneficial combination of features for future lithium ion batteries.

The Nanode technology also shows promise for applications beyond traditional lithium ion batteries, using alternative battery chemistries. This is made possible by the Nanode’s complex yet versatile electrode structure supported by a flexible manufacturing process that allows for the deposition of a range of metallic thin films of different compositions. These applications hold the potential to improve the energy density of rechargeable batteries beyond the limits of the traditional foil/particle approach, and they could reduce the cost of energy storage.