IBM Research has been a key player in next-generation battery technologies for more than a decade with the launch of Battery 500 project in 2009. On December 18, 2019, IBM released its research findings of new battery design free of any heavy metals. The revolutionary battery technology is based on a unique electrochemistry. The new-type of battery is made of novel and state-of-the-art proprietary materials without any heavy metals. It is not only more environmentally friendly, but also has excellent performance in energy and power density, charging time, energy efficiency, and cycle life.
IBM Research developed Advanced Material Discovery platform based on IBM's core strengths on artificial intelligence, quantum computing and machine learning. The Sidus and IBM joint research teams utilize AMD to identify safer and higher performance materials to further optimize battery performance. Using machine learning techniques helps researchers gain insights from millions of data points, allowing them to speed up the pace of innovation. To explore solutions to the challenges associated with existing batteries, research teams also take advantage of IBM lab’s strong infrastructure to study how things work on a molecular and atomic level.
To move this new battery from early stage exploratory research into commercial development, IBM picked us Sidus Energy as the battery manufacturer. The scaling up presents new challenges. Sidus team is dedicated to continuous advancement of LEO battery technology and creative solutions of battery product engineering, process engineering and manufacturing engineering. Sidus Energy is laser focused to provide global customers with superior and diversified products.
Sidus innovative cobalt-free XEO batteries transcend the chemical design limitations inherent in conventional Li-ion battery cathodes, heralding a new era where abundant earth materials can be harnessed for sustainable green energy storage. These readily-scalable XEO batteries seamlessly integrate with existing manufacturing infrastructure and offer versatility with a range of anodes, including graphite, silica/carbon, and Li metal, catering to diverse downstream application requirements.
XEO batteries exemplify remarkable industry-leading performance, showcasing characteristics such as:
Capable of 80% charge in less than 10 minutes
capable of 500 Wh/kg
Capable of fast charging below -20 ℃
XEO batteries incorporate novel types of cost-effective cobalt-free cathodes without supply chain concerns
Moreover, Sidus' groundbreaking LEO battery from IBM features transition-metal free cathodes, potentially enabling direct processing from seawater. Initial LEO battery samples have demonstrated remarkable attributes including high energy density, extended cycle life, and rapid charging capabilities (≥10C), even in frigid temperatures as low as -30 ℃.