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PyroGenesis Canada successfully produces nano silicon materials with its PUREVAP reactor

Last updated: 16:10 05 Aug 2021 EDT, First published: 15:49 05 Aug 2021 EDT

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Replacing graphite with nano silicon powders could allow for high-performance lithium-ion batteries capable of delivering an almost tenfold increase in anode capacity

PyroGenesis Canada Inc confirmed that it had successfully produced nano silicon materials with its PUREVAP Nano Silicon Reactor (NSIR).

In a statement, the company said it made the materials for HPQ Nano Silicon Powders Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. 

PyroGenesis said the successful milestone relates to the conversion of silicon into nano silicon powders. After experiencing certain delays relating to unexpected operating issues, PyroGenesis’ engineering team was able to successfully produce the materials, confirming the original assumptions underlying the project.

READ: PyroGenesis Canada to launch e-commerce website offering charitable swag and accessories

The company said the next major milestone is to optimize the process and have a third-party evaluation of powder characteristics, after which orders can be delivered to various entities waiting to receive samples.

“Notwithstanding certain unexpected operating challenges, the results today are indeed a significant milestone as it validates our original assumptions and provides further evidence that we are on the right path,” said PyroGenesis CEO Peter Pascali.

“Although there may be challenges ahead, and no outcome can be guaranteed, words cannot adequality describe the excitement at PyroGenesis of potentially being able to address significant challenges facing the development of lithium-ion batteries for the EV market, and others. For example, by 2030, it is estimated that anodes may contain up to 30% silicon in automotive applications as compared to today where silicon is barely used in these applications.”

PyroGenesis said research indicates that replacing graphite with nano silicon powders could allow for the manufacturing of high-performance lithium-ion batteries with the capability of delivering an almost tenfold increase in anode capacity, inducing a 20-40% gain in the energy density of the next generation of batteries. 

PyroGenesis also confirmed that it is now moving forward with the next phase of the project which consists of designing and manufacturing a semi-continuous process system with a commercial production capacity of at least 500 kg/month of nano silicon powders, and validating commercial scalability.

“PyroGenesis’ last major milestone, prior to the delivery of its first nano silicon sample, is the completion of an optimization process on the samples produced,” said Pierre Carabin, CTO and chief strategist for PyroGenesis. “The optimization process will, amongst other things, improve product quality and consistency, evaluate the chemical characteristics, and perform microscopic and particle size distribution analysis.”

The company also noted that is currently working with HPQ, and its subsidiaries, on the following three broadly defined projects:

  • Converting Silica (Quartz, SiO2) into high purity silicon using PUREVAP QRR;
  • Converting Silicon (Si) into Nano Silicon powders using PUREVAP NSIR. The goal is to increase performance and storage capacity (highly sought-after characteristics in many industries but specifically EV) in lithium-ion batteries by replacing graphite with these nano silicon powders, and;
  • Converting Silica (Quartz, SiO2) quartz into fumed silica.

Contact the author: patrick@proactiveinvestors.com

Follow him on Twitter @PatrickMGraham

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