Epsilon Advanced Materials, a prominent battery materials manufacturer, has announced a strategic partnership with South Korea-based Daejoo Electronic Materials to jointly develop a Silicon-Graphite composite aimed at significantly improving the discharge capacity of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The collaboration is designed to enhance the performance of Li-ion batteries by increasing their discharge capacity by 50% and extending their lifespan by thousands of cycles, addressing the growing demand for higher energy density and longer-lasting batteries, especially in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy applications.

Under the joint program, the companies have set a goal to develop advanced materials for lithium-ion batteries with a capacity range of 450-600 mAh/g. This is expected to substantially boost the energy density and longevity of batteries, which is crucial for meeting the needs of the rapidly expanding EV market and other clean energy initiatives. The companies believe these enhancements will be vital for the industry’s transition to sustainable mobility and clean energy.

As part of the collaboration, Epsilon will supply synthetic graphite, which will be used by Daejoo to create and evaluate Silicon-Graphite composites in Daejoo's laboratories. In return, Daejoo will provide samples of the composite materials, enabling Epsilon to further tailor and test Silicon monoxide-graphite composites in its own research facilities. The companies aim to validate and qualify these materials with their customers, aiming to introduce innovative, high-performance products to the market.

The development process will be conducted in stages, with the initial phase of composite material development and evaluation expected to be completed by the end of this year. Upon successful completion of this stage, the partners will proceed with material qualification efforts in collaboration with cell manufacturers. This step is critical to ensuring that the materials meet the required performance standards for large-scale commercial applications.

Vikram Handa, Managing Director of Epsilon Group, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership in accelerating the global transition to clean energy and sustainable mobility. He noted that through ongoing research and development (R&D) initiatives like this one, Epsilon is committed to driving advancements in battery technology that will support the growing demand for high-performance, safe, and long-lasting battery solutions. Handa also highlighted that the collaboration positions Epsilon well to meet the evolving needs of the mobility industry, particularly as electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems become more prevalent.

Dae Woon Park, Managing Director of Daejoo Electronic Materials, also expressed optimism about the partnership, stressing that it will enhance Daejoo’s position in the rapidly expanding Indian market. He added that the collaboration aligns with Daejoo’s global strategy to develop cutting-edge materials tailored to meet the diverse needs of customers across different regions, reinforcing the company's commitment to supporting the evolving battery industry worldwide.

This partnership represents a significant step forward in the development of next-generation battery technologies, with the potential to drive key innovations in the energy storage sector.