SiLi-ion Inc., founded in 2019 in Riverside, California, is a materials science company pioneering advancements in lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology through silicon-based innovations. Led by CEO Dr. Mark R. Hatch and founded by plasma physicist Dr. Lorenzo Mangolini, the company has developed a patented silicon-carbon additive that significantly enhances battery performance without requiring costly manufacturing retooling. Their breakthrough silicon nanoparticle technology boosts energy density and charging speed, achieving up to a 50% increase in anode storage capacity compared to traditional graphite anodes.
SiLi-ion’s focus on sustainability sets it apart: it recycles degraded solar panels into silicon-based additives, reducing waste and fostering a circular economy while diversifying supply chains reliant on traditionally mined graphite. The company serves markets including electric vehicles, e-bikes, drones, and grid storage, offering solutions tailored for high-performance and cost-efficient energy storage.
Battery Technology
SiLi-ion’s core innovation centers on silicon-carbon powder, a drop-in additive designed for existing LIB production lines. The material leverages silicon nanoparticles to store over four times the energy of conventional graphite anodes, dramatically improving energy density and charging efficiency. Silicon’s natural ability to bind lithium ions is unmatched, but its tendency to expand during cycling historically limited its practicality. SiLi-ion addresses this by embedding silicon within a carbon matrix, stabilizing the anode structure while maximizing energy capture.
The company’s cutting-edge plasma-ultra-nano silicon-graphitic flakes take this further, offering a potential replacement for graphite entirely to enhance battery durability and affordability. This technology requires no disruption to current manufacturing processes, making it accessible to battery producers while accelerating performance improvements. Beyond energy gains, SiLi-ion’s approach reduces material costs and environmental impact by recycling silicon from post-consumer solar panels. This sustainable sourcing strategy aligns with global supply chain resilience goals while minimizing reliance on graphite—a resource often dominated by China.
Recent Projects
In early 2024, SiLi-ion secured a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), part of over $700,000 in federal funding aimed at advancing its silicon-based materials for industrial and transportation applications. This grant supported R&D aimed at optimizing cycle life and scalability for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Additionally, the company received a California Energy Commission grant to explore applications in stationary grid storage, aligning with California’s renewable energy targets.
Also in 2024, SiLi-ion partnered with the California Sustainable Energy Entrepreneur Development (CalSEED) program for commercialization support. This collaboration focused on refining production methods for its silicon additives to meet industry standards for cost and reliability. Concurrently, the LACI Cleantech Debt Fund provided working capital to scale operations, ensuring SiLi-ion could meet rising demand from battery manufacturers.
Investors
SiLi-ion has garnered significant public and private backing to advance its mission. Key supporters include the U.S. Department of Energy, through its 2024 grant, and the California Energy Commission, which has funded applied research projects testing silicon additives in grid-scale batteries. The company also received funding from the CalSEED program, which aids early-stage clean energy ventures. In late 2023, SiLi-ion’s partnership with the LACI Cleantech Debt Fund secured crucial capital to expand production capabilities and advance pilot programs with battery industry partners.
Business Details
Location: Riverside, California, USA
Website: http://siliion.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/64930737
