Higher-density batteries on the horizon

Chicago battery materials startup NanoGraf Corp. is betting big on silicon anodes to greatly increase lithium ion battery density for everything from electric vehicles to consumer electronics. The company unveiled its new 18650 battery cell last year, calling it "the world's most energy-dense lithium ion battery." It is 20 percent more efficient than industry-leading batteries. Silicon anodes have not been widely adopted to date because they can swell and potentially damage the battery cell. But the emerging technology is now turning heads. In February, NanGraf said it had raised $65 million in an oversubscribed Series B funding round. The U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Energy have provided funding to help launch production of the innovation.