THE PROBLEM: The United States faces the challenges of balancing rising electricity demand with energy system decarbonization. In the Pacific Northwest, these challenges, combined with ambitious state emissions reduction targets, have driven the growth of a regional clean energy industry and a wave of startup companies. While new technologies exist to tackle this issue, the size and cost of such innovations have, until recently, been prohibitive. 

THE SOLUTION: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a key player in the regional clean energy ecosystem and a leader in battery technology development, working to accelerate adoption of innovations that spur regional economic growth and energy decarbonization. Partnering with Seattle-based startup Ecellix, PNNL commercialized a novel material that sharply increases storage capacity in next-generation lithium batteries. PNNL-developed silicon anodes boost battery capacity by 60%, cut weight by 50%, and overcome the production cost issues that previously hindered commercialization. PNNL developed an organic-solvent-assisted etching process to form micron-sized porous silicon that withstands expansion during battery operation. Researchers also pioneered a wet chemical process to coat carbon on porous silicon and created new electrolytes to boost cycle and storage life. 

THE TECH TRANSFER MECHANISM: Through collaborations with Washington State University, veteran-owned startup Ecellix saw the strong performance of PNNL’s silicon anode material and approached the lab about a partnership. Early discussions exploring that partnership occurred under a non-disclosure agreement in March 2023. That led to an option agreement in May 2023 for an exclusive license and a non-commercial, research-use license. In March 2024, the partners signed a commercial exclusive license agreement. 

THE OUTCOMES: By 2031, about 40% of global lithium-ion battery revenues are expected to come from cells containing silicon anodes. With the anode making up 18% of the price of a lithium-ion cell, revenues for silicon anode materials are projected at $36 billion, growing 67% annually. Capturing just 1% of this projected market would equate to $360 million in revenues annually. Additionally, Ecellix’s new plant is contributing to the re-emergence of U.S.-based battery manufacturing after years of offshoring.