ST. PAUL, Minn. – 3M has announced it is investing in research and manufacturing of novel Silicon (Si) based 3M anode materials to be used in advanced lithium ion batteries.
 
The company was recently granted U.S. patent No. 8,071,238 for its Silicon anode compositions that can increase cell capacity by more than 40 percent when matched with high-energy battery cathodes. 3M has invested resources and expertise toward commercialization of battery technology for the past 15 years.
 
3M’s investments into the high-energy, metal-based anode for lithium ion batteries include matching a recent U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant for $4.6 million as part of efforts to build more energy-efficient vehicles. The research will help to develop and integrate new cell materials that will make a transformative change in energy density and in cost in lithium ion batteries used in electric vehicles, 3M says. Especially critical to the project’s success is 3M’s Si based anode material. The 3M investment in research and development includes putting in 3M’s best battery materials technology for cathode, anode and battery electrolyte additives into the project.
 
“3M has a proven track record of being an innovator in battery materials, and we are committed to supporting the growing U.S. and global lithium ion battery industry,” said Chris Milker, business development manager for 3M Electronic Markets Materials Division. “Our investment into research and development, coupled with our experience and portfolio of more than 40 core technologies – including nanotechnology, adhesives, precision coating, fluoromaterials – give us the tools and confidence in our ability to develop next-generation materials for better cells.”
 
The new research expands upon the company’s long-standing initiatives in the battery market to commercialize battery technology for electric vehicles and consumer electronics.

In addition to its investment in robust research and development, 3M recently completed the first phase of Silicon anode manufacturing capacity expansion in early 2012 in its Cottage Grove, Minn., facility. The expansion included the installation of large-scale manufacturing equipment specialized to 3M and its proprietary anode chemistry. The U.S.-based facility will provide Si anode material to 3M’s global battery customers.
 
For more information about 3M battery materials, visit www.3m.com/batterymaterials.