WHO WE ARE
To transcend current expectations for performance metrics demanded of high-energy-power and long calendar life lithium-ion batteries, the physicochemical requirements of the end-use application must coalesce with the knowledge to create the proper chemistry and the expertise to properly manufacture cost effectively at scale. C4V embodies this synergy.
Approximately 80% of the cost to produce lithium ion cells originates from four major components: the anode, cathode, separator, and electrolyte. C4V has discovered, patented, and commercially developed processing technology for next generation anode and cathode materials, while working jointly to optimize these materials with current industry giants in the electrolyte and separator space. C4V has also quantified and qualified more than 15 other component that go along with four key components mentioned above in a lithium ion battery cell. In addition, designing cells for different applications in cylindrical, pouch and prismatic form factors is integral part of C4V’s development process.
MISSION
Mission batteries, commercially implementable in 2019, will feature a cobalt and nickel-free cathode chemistry that boasts the highest voltage and cycle lifetime of any currently commercial material. In addition, compositionally-patented modifications at the crystal-level ensure, beyond an increased energy density and high-rate capability, unrivaled safety in the event of thermal runaway or fire exposure.
C4V anodes will contain graphite produced from in-house processing technologies blended with its composite silicon. Overwhelmingly used in current anodes, graphite often requires expensive thermal and environmentally toxic chemical treatments to raise purities above 99.95% for approved use. C4V’s proprietary processing technology for purification and spheronization has eliminated the need for either step, while drastically reducing energy consumption via modification of commercially-ready equipment that can achieve yields of greater than 70%. Majority of current commercial technologies can only achieve around 40% yield with processing techniques that are more than 20 years hold. Proven control over morphology, surface area, and particle size distributions ensures that its integration with composite silicon meets desired performance metrics.
C4V’s composite silicon, a game-changer for improved volumetric capacity and energy density, boasts a similarly cheap, scalable, and environmentally-friendly manufacturing process. Silicon has long been desired for use in the anode given a specific energy capacity of > 3000 mAh/g. However, unsuccessful efforts to tame the drastic volume expansion experienced during lithiation have tempered commercial viability. C4V’s composite silicon technology prevents catastrophic volume expansion via nano-structuring. By allowing the primary particles to expand internally and not crack, structural integrity is maintained and improved performance is achieved.
P-Series batteries will demonstrate energy densities and volumetric capacities of 200Wh/kg and 500Wh/L. Currently, design and optimization efforts have focused on cylindrical and prismatic cells with 2170 and 3270 variants with improved heat dissipation slated for production. With the support of strategic partners and a key acquisition of cell manufacturing equipment, production at a nominal 1 GWhs scale will commence during the second half of 2022.
VISION
N-Series Battery improvements will focus upon optimizing anode and cathode formulations and introducing a more thermally-stable electrolyte to enhance performance.
While the anode and cathode materials determine the theoretical limits for a battery’s storage capacity, the electrolyte, serving as an interfacial lithium transport medium for either electrode, determines the power density, imparts electrochemical stability within the cell via passivation of both anode and cathode surface layers, and to a large degree dictates a battery’s chemical response to non-equilibrium conditions like overheating which can lead to fires.
Being rather sensitive to environmental temperatures, current commercial electrolytes limit the use of lithium-ion cells to narrow temperature ranges, requiring the use of an electronic battery management system and other forms of insulation to maintain thermal conditions optimal for cycle life and performance.
C4V has identified and is working with an electrolyte that would lower the maintenance requirement for keeping the batteries cool. So far, this electrolyte has demonstrated stability up to 65C. Implementation for volume manufacturing is expected by 2021 with concurrent improvements in energy density and volumetric capacity to 300Wh/kg and 650Wh/L, respectively.
LEADERSHIP
We strive to continue working towards better, cheaper, and safer battery technologies and processing techniques in the coming years.
A significant part of this commitment involves developing a solid-state battery. While theoretically possible now, no clear projections or blueprints for bringing solid state batteries into the market exist, currently. It may take another 20 years to fully commercialize and have a stable manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure for this technology. But at C4V, we are taking a different and more practical approach to overcome some of these challenges. We have been able to replace more than 50% of the liquid electrolyte with a Solid State electrolyte to produce semi-solid-state technology that would include advantages of both the systems.
Additionally, our initial tests from S-series batteries demonstrate energy densities and volumetric capacities of 400Wh/kg and 800 Wh/L. We confidently project these unique batteries will be ready for volume manufacturing by 2025 along with a stable supply chain.
HISTORY
As a business concept, C4V was registered in New York State following acceptance into StartUP NY. All research and development; product evaluations; and customer development efforts were performed prior to its establishment. By state mandate, the company is located in designated space at Binghamton University.
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Key discovery
2011 -
Performance validated
2013 -
C4V Established
2014 -
Gain market traction
2015 -
Patent protection issued
2017 -
Manufacturing
2018 -
Newyork Production Start
2022