Dragonfly Energy said it has successfully dry-deposited LiFePO4 cathode electrodes at scale using the company’s patented battery manufacturing processes.
The company said this achievement marks the last major technological hurdle in the company’s dry electrode battery cell manufacturing process and is expected to enable Dragonfly Energy to begin producing lithium battery cells in the U.S. by the end of 2023.
Completion of Dragonfly Energy’s previously announced pilot line, combined with the success of its double-sided dry deposition of both anode and cathode electrodes at scale, positions the company to achieve delivery of lithium battery cells, across a variety of lithium chemistries, as samples to potential customers by year’s end, it said
According to the company, these patented dry deposition processes eliminate the use of toxic solvents, drive cost efficiencies and represent a significant step in the development of Dragonfly Energy’s non-flammable storage cells.
“With the successful scaled-up deposition of cathode electrodes, we can now say that Dragonfly Energy has passed the last anticipated major technological hurdle as we work towards lithium battery cell production right here in Nevada,” said Dr. Denis Phares, CEO of Dragonfly Energy. “Graphite anodes and LiFePO4 cathodes have fundamentally different physical and mechanical properties, so we’re proud to say this is a significant achievement for our whole team and an incredibly exciting time for the industry as a whole. I believe it validates the strength of our chemistry agnostic manufacturing process as economically deployable and scalable.”
Dragonfly Energy’s dry deposition technology eliminates the use of toxic solvents which are used in traditional cell manufacturing. In addition, the Company’s manufacturing process enables a significantly reduced footprint, occupying less than 150 square feet per electrode. As a result, Dragonfly Energy’s patented approach is expected to not only enhance environmental sustainability but also drive cost efficiency.
Dragonfly Energy’s dry electrode manufacturing process is also applicable for use in the co-deposition of electrodes and solid electrolytes. This is expected to be a pivotal factor in the development of the company’s non-flammable storage cells. The successful development of this technology is anticipated to contribute significantly to the distributed grid storage model of the future.
Dragonfly Energy’s mission is to produce fully American-made lithium batteries and eliminate reliance on overseas manufacturers.
