Enkem Targets Next-Generation Battery Market with Silicon Composite Anode Electrolytes

Stepwise lineup from 5% or less to 100%
Pursuing 1,000-ton supply contract in North America

Enkem, a company specializing in electrolytes, is accelerating its push into the next-generation battery market by focusing on electrolytes for silicon composite anodes (Si-Anode). As the trend toward higher energy density in electric vehicle batteries continues and the adoption of silicon composite anodes increases, demand for related electrolytes is also expanding.

Overview of Enkem's Georgia plant in the U.S. Provided by Enkem.

Enkem has built a step-by-step electrolyte lineup covering silicon content from 5% or less up to 30% or more, and is currently conducting commercialization and evaluation with global electric vehicle and battery cell manufacturers. Silicon composite anodes are being increasingly adopted not to completely replace existing graphite, but to partially substitute it.

Compared with graphite, silicon anodes offer higher energy density, giving them advantages in extending driving range and improving charging speed. However, there is a possibility that the share of graphite, whose durability and yield have been verified, will be maintained for the time being.

Enkem has secured electrolyte formulations that can be applied to both carbon-based (Si-C) and oxide-based (Si-Ox) silicon anodes, and is supplying early-stage products to some OEMs and battery manufacturers. It is also known to have completed the development of electrolytes compatible with 100% silicon anodes. The company is also pursuing a contract to supply 1,000 tons of electrolytes over three years with a North American silicon battery company, starting in December last year.

An Enkem official said, "In line with rising demand for high-energy-density batteries, we are proactively securing electrolyte technologies that respond to stepwise increases in silicon content," adding, "We will continue to strengthen our accumulation of technologies and collaboration with customers, keeping in mind not only the initial application phase but also the point at which high-content and full-scale application are realized."