Lithium-ion batteries have transformed everything from consumer electronics toelectric vehiclesand energy storage.
But to power the next wave of tech from planes to smartphones they need to get denser.
One option is to replace the graphite anodes within them with silicon ones.
That means more efficient batteries that last longer.
DutchstartupLeydenJar has been touting the benefits for years.
And today, the company announced the site for its first factory, scheduled to open in 2026.
Other applications include high-density batteries indrones, wearables, and laptops.
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The facility is expected to employee 100 full-time staff once operational.
We ship A-samples for them to evaluate our technology and potential.
After this phase ends, we start qualifying our material for introduction in the product lines, he said.
And the tech could make laptop batteries 40% smaller, allowing for thinner designs.
In drones, it could almost double the range.
The company plans to build a second, giga-scale factory, PlantTwo, in 2028.
Secret silicon sauce
Silicon was actually used to make anodes before graphite was.
But technical challenges have largely kept silicon anodes to the confines of the lab.
LeydenJar has fixed this issue bygrowing tiny columns of silicon, several micrometers thick, on copper foil.
This translates to an energy density up to 1.350 Wh/l or 390 Wh/kg.
Thats up to 70% more energy storage than a graphite anode equivalent.
The tech could even help cut Europes dependence on foreign imports.
Thats easier said than done.
Tech giants like ASML, also based in Eindhoven, offer a glimmer of hope.
The company makes the lithography machines that every single major chipmaker, from Taiwan to Texas, relies upon.
Another is UK-based Arm, whosechip architecturescan be found in almost every single smartphone in the world.
The correct figure is 85% less carbon emissions than graphite-based methods.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
