Battery Materials Portfolio

Application Background
In high-rate lithium-ion batteries, traditional graphite anodes often suffer from increased polarization, capacity decay, and insufficient cycling stability under high current charge-discharge conditions. The research team aimed to improve the anode's rate capability by introducing highly conductive carbon materials to construct a more efficient electron transport network.

Solution
Alfa Chemistry's Graphene Nanoplatelets were selected as conductive additives for the anode and composited with graphite active material. Graphene nanoplatelets possess high specific surface area, excellent electrical conductivity, and a two-dimensional layered structure, enabling the formation of a continuous conductive network within the electrode.

Key Results

• Compared to control electrodes without graphene, the composite anode exhibited a 30–45% reduction in electrode surface resistance
• At a 5C charge/discharge rate, the battery's capacity retention increased from approximately 65–70% to over 85%
• After 500 high-rate cycles, the capacity retention remained above 90%
• Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed a significant decrease in charge transfer resistance and improved interfacial stability

Application Value
This case demonstrates that Graphene Nanoplatelets can effectively build an efficient conductive network, significantly enhancing lithium-ion battery performance in high-power output, fast charging/discharging, and long-cycle applications.

Application Background
For large-scale energy storage systems, the focus is on safety, cycle life, and thermal stability rather than maximizing energy density. Lithium iron phosphate cathode materials are widely used due to their stable structure and excellent thermal safety characteristics.

Solution
A research team developing an energy storage system utilized Alfa Chemistry's Lithium Iron Phosphate cathode material to construct lithium-ion battery units for grid-scale storage. The material features a stable olivine structure, maintaining crystal integrity during extended charge-discharge cycles.

Key Results

• After 3000 cycles at 1C rate, the battery retained ≥90% capacity
• Under 55 °C high-temperature cycling, capacity decay was less than 0.01% per cycle
• Thermal stability tests showed the material remained intact at >250 °C without significant structural decomposition
• During overcharge tests, the battery exhibited no thermal runaway or noticeable swelling

Application Value
This case confirms that Lithium Iron Phosphate is an ideal cathode material for long-life, high-safety energy storage systems, including grid-scale, commercial, and backup power applications.

Application Background
As battery energy density continues to increase, high-loading electrodes have become a key development trend. However, high active material content can reduce mechanical strength and lead to cracking or material shedding during cycling.

Solution
Researchers used Alfa Chemistry's Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) as an electrode binder for high-loading cathode and anode systems. PVDF provides excellent chemical stability and adhesion, forming a stable polymer network within the electrode.

Key Results

• In electrodes with active material loading ≥20 mg/cm², electrode peel strength increased by approximately 40–60%
• High-loading electrodes maintained over 92% capacity retention after 1000 cycles, up from around 80% in control samples
• Surface cracking and material shedding were significantly reduced, with electrodes maintaining structural integrity after cycling
• Slurry coating uniformity and film formation quality improved during electrode preparation, ensuring better batch-to-batch consistency

Application Value
This case demonstrates that PVDF binders play a crucial role in high-loading electrode design, high-energy-density battery manufacturing, and scalable production processes, enhancing mechanical stability and cycling reliability of electrodes.