Nexeon, the company developing silicon anode technology for the next generation of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries, has just completed the construction and commissioning of a new process development and manufacturing facility at its headquarters in Oxfordshire. The plant is capable of producing over 20 tonnes of product a year, and has been built to be highly versatile and able to handle a wide range of materials and reagents.
In addition to the manufacturing capability, the new facility includes integrated laboratories for Process Development and Material Characterisation. The plant is certified to ISO9001 and ISO14001, and includes a Quality Assurance lab to ensure consistent quality of customer materials. End use applications planned include hybrid and electric vehicles and consumer electronic devices.
In keeping with the plant’s process development role, a fully flexible modular process design has been deployed throughout, and both conventional and novel reactor designs have been implemented. The project, which started in late 2012, has involved sourcing equipment from major suppliers in Germany, Switzerland, France and the UK.
“This first class facility puts us in a very strong position to produce new materials for Li-ion cells, and to optimise the production processes that will be necessary for their commercial adoption”, said David Bent, production director at Nexeon. “We now have the key engineering resources we need on-board, and eagerly look forward to sampling customers with products made in our new facility.”
