Conamix is a venture-backed battery supplies firm working to create sulfur-based lithium batteries for electrical autos. Charlotte Hamilton, CEO and co-founder of Conamix talked to Battery Know-how and shared her ideas about completely different topics associated to sulfur-base batteries.
Sulphur-based batteries for EVs
Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have the benefit of storing extra power density than lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the sulfur-based cathode can produce batteries that may very well be lighter and cheaper than lithium-ion batteries. Sulfur cathode materials is cheaper and a extra environmentally pleasant than different steel oxides of the cathode similar to nickel, manganese, and cobalt.
The lighter weight of Li-S batteries makes them engaging for electrical plane software, particularly for unmanned aerial autos (UAVs) or drones. Despite the fact that Li-S batteries nonetheless have limitations ̶ restricted recharging cycles ̶ the expertise has the potential to remodel the electrical car (EV) market.
Actually, Conamix is engaged on automotive batteries with sulfur cathode expertise. “The most effective use case for sulfur-based batteries is EVs” stated Hamilton. “I don’t suppose that anybody has been in a position to hit automotive-level efficiency beforehand with lithium-sulfur however at this level our sulfur-based cathode expertise is performing properly and we’re engaged on integrating our cathode expertise in opposition to different anode expertise.”
In accordance with Hamilton, Conamix can cut back prices by over 50% on the invoice supplies stage versus different excessive power supplies. “We make excellent lithium-sulfur batteries, however they aren’t but adequate to be automotive batteries. However the potential for automotive is superb as a result of it’s a path for inexpensive electrical autos (EVs). We’ve got decrease prices than LFP [lithium iron phosphate] batteries and far decrease prices than NMC [nickel-manganese-cobalt] or NCA [nickel-cobalt-aluminum] batteries. However we’re not prepared but for automotive. If we are able to hit the suitable power density and cycle-life targets for EVs, we are able to have a path to an inexpensive expertise,” she stated.
Standing out from the competitors
Conamix began with core expertise from three completely different main universities—Berkeley College, Cornell College, and Stanford College. Subsequently, the corporate is based on supplies and science innovation.
“We even have components that change different elements of a conventional lithium-sulfur cathode that permit us to attain volumetric and gravimetric ranges. Getting power density requires a really low electrolyte ratio and extra than simply sulfur itself,” Hamilton stated.
Conamix sulfur stack.
Provide chain challenges and the Inflation Discount Act (IRA)
In accordance with Hamilton, with Conamix’ expertise there’s potential to make a high-energy battery with utilizing solely an America-based provide chain. “The components that we use are additionally widespread supplies. We’re not utilizing any cobalt, we’re not utilizing nickel in any respect. We’re utilizing quite common supplies which are simple to fabricate. That appeals to the American auto makers as a result of they’re on the lookout for a home, low-cost answer,” she continued.
Hamilton has an attention-grabbing perspective in regards to the IRA. She stated that IRA incentives assist in a manner, however that present applied sciences are usually not there but to allow 100% EV adoption. “For those who don’t have a expertise that’s cheap priced, and that permits profitability to auto makers; it doesn’t actually matter how a lot cash you throw on the downside,” she stated. “We’d like materials science innovation earlier than attempting to make an actual change.”
She continued, “At Conamix we’re excited in regards to the IRA as a result of it offers additional incentives to auto makers to kind supplies within the US. It’s a win for Conamix however in the end, I believe, governments must be investing in actually transformative materials applied sciences that permit a change within the pricing of supplies for EVs. Simply subsidizing issues additional doesn’t actually accomplish the general purpose of getting a brand new system of profitability for the auto makers and decrease automobile costs.”
The way forward for Conamix and EVs
In 2023 Conamix will probably be reaching key milestones similar to getting third-party take a look at outcomes and integrating their high-performance cathode into a whole system that may allow a high-performance, low-cost battery, Hamilton stated.
“The auto trade is realizing {that a} change in battery supplies is required to achieve inexpensive EVs. 5 years in the past, auto makers have been hoping that present chemistry would scale back in worth. However with not-abundant supplies similar to nickel, costs are usually not going to come back down” she famous. “Actually, costs are going to go up. Costs of lithium-ion batteries are growing their worth and I believe that may proceed to occur. To satisfy the purpose of 100% EV’s by 2035, auto makers are going to wish new supplies in place to help international change in EV numbers.”
