REG - Gelion PLC - Li-S Cell High Energy Density Milestone Achieved

GelionAnnouncement

04/04/2024 07:00

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RNS Number : 2392J  Gelion PLC  04 April 2024

4 April 2024

 

Gelion plc

("Gelion" or the "Company")

Lithium-Sulfur Cell High Energy Density Milestone Achieved

 

Gelion (AIM: GELN), the Anglo-Australian battery innovator, announces an
update on its Next Generation Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) battery development.

 

Gelion has achieved a high energy density milestone by fabricating a 395 Wh/kg
lithium-sulfur 9.5 Ah pouch cell (commercial cell format). This result
represents a c. 60% increase in the energy density (lower weight) compared
with current lithium-ion batteries (approximately 250 Wh/kg).

 

Further to the announcement on 19 March 2024, Gelion had produced 1.0 Ah
cells using the OXIS Gen2 cell technology that achieved energy density of 245
Wh/kg. The achievement of 395 Wh/kg aligns with the independent energy density
modelling projections for a larger cell format.

 

Achievement of this milestone represents a key technology proof point for
Gelion. By re-establishing this performance, building on the OXIS Gen 2
technology and IP acquired from Johnson Matthey. The Company has set a new
benchmark against which to compare upcoming 'Next Generation' cell which
targets further performance improvements upon this announced result.

 

On 19 March 2024, Gelion identified that testing of our Next Generation cell
technology is exhibiting our expected solid-to-solid conversion (see Glossary)
behaviour toward enhanced stability and longevity. We will continue to
progress these developments in addition to the silicon-sulfur cell technology
in cooperation with Ionblox.

 

Gelion's ambition for its next generation platform is to unlock the potential
of sulfur batteries for a wide range of global applications including electric
vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft, drones, electric vehicles (EV),
and stationary energy storage (ESS), as high Wh/kg translates to lighter
batteries and opens many advantages for these markets. Sulfur being an
abundant material offers a future not limited by geographically concentrated
and controlled battery metals which significantly improves battery lifecycle
sustainability.

 

John Wood, CEO of Gelion said: "This result further validates Gelion's Li-S
technology plan. In 2023 we established a leading Li-S cell technology
foundation following the acquisition of OXLiD and the IP acquired from OXIS
and Johnson Matthey. Whilst these are still early results, we intend to build
on them actively throughout 2024, unveiling and demonstrating the unique core
proposition that Gelion is assembling.

 

"We continue to build on our position within the global battery industry and
focus on establishing a strong identity and market presence which is centred
on the key metrics of performance, cost, and safety, ready to leverage once
our technologies go-to-market."

 

Background

 

In May 2023, Gelion updated on the progress made using the battery technology
package acquired from Johnson Matthey (containing, in addition to its own IP,
the Li-S IP and know-how from OXIS Energy). Gelion has worked over the past
nine months to benchmark, improve on, and define a next generation approach to
Li-S battery development.

 

Li-S batteries are an advanced alternative to Li-ion batteries that can
achieve much greater gravimetric energy densities (measured as amount of
energy per battery weight). This is critical to drive down the weight in
mobile applications such as EV's, e-aviation, and drones, reducing auxiliary
component cost and lessening their upfront environmental impact. They do not
contain rare metals in the cathode and can be scaled to meet the demands of
global electrification. The technology shows promise to be safer (lower risk
of fires) than current batteries.

 

CONTACTS

 

 Gelion plc                                                                                         via Alma

 John Wood, CEO

 Amit Gupta, CFO

 Thomas Maschmeyer, Founder and Principal Technology Advisor

 Cavendish Capital Markets Limited (Nominated Adviser and Broker)  +44 207 220 0500
 Corporate Finance

 Neil McDonald / Seamus Fricker / Fergus Sullivan

 Sales

 Leif Powis

 Alma Strategic Communications (Financial PR Adviser)              +44 20 3405 0205

 Justine James/ Hannah Campbell / Will Ellis Hancock               gelion@almastrategic.com

 

The information contained within this announcement is deemed to constitute
inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No.
596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (withdrawal)
Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information
is now considered to be in the public domain.

 

Glossary

 Ah                         Ampere hours. A measure of capacity stored in the cell. The larger the number
                            the higher the capacity.
 Energy density (Wh/kg)     The ratio of energy stored per unit weight i.e. Watt-hours per kilogram. The
                            higher the number the lighter the battery.
 Pouch cell                 An industry standard format of a battery which comprises a flat pouch-shaped
                            design with a multi-layered laminate structure.
 Solid-to-solid conversion  A low or polysulfide-free conversion of sulfur within the cathode.
                            Polysulfides are a liquid form of sulfur that are corrosive and reduce cycle
                            life in traditional lithium-sulfur batteries. Solid-to-solid conversion helps
                            mitigate the formation of the polysulfides.

 

About Gelion

 

Gelion ("gel: ion") is a global -energy storage innovator, supporting the
transition to a more sustainable economy by commercialising two globally
important next generation technologies: Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) and Zinc-based
(Zn) hybrid cells to electrify mobile and stationary applications. Gelion plc
(the Group) is listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market and wholly
owns Australia based Gelion Technologies Pty Ltd. Gelion is designing and
delivering innovative battery technology to enable that transition and return
value for its customers and investors.

 

Lithium Sulfur

Gelion's effort is directed at the potential for the Li-S chemistry to deliver
double the gravimetric energy density of standard Lithium-ion chemistries
whilst concurrently reducing cost and increasing safety, targeting the EV and
e-aviation markets, helping to make global transport, energy consumption and
storage more sustainable.

 

Gelion is developing a product for its high energy density sulfur cathode at
its expanded R&D facilities in Sydney, enabling it to integrate with a
variety of anodes ranging from graphite to silicon to lithium metal, depending
on the targeted application.

 

Gelion recently also expanded in the UK by acquiring OXLiD Ltd, significantly
increasing its capability in cathode improvement thereby accelerating path to
commercial partners and commercialisation.

 

Zinc

Gelion is adapting its zinc technology to comprise an alternate cathode
technology, a zinc hybrid cell to develop complementary next-generation
batteries for the lead-acid eco-system. Early testing indicates that this
solution has the potential to maintain good energy density levels with
enhanced cost and safety aspects. Once fully developed, Gelion intends for its
zinc technology to provide a durable and sustainable market extension within
the ecosystem that supports lead-acid batteries.

 

 

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