HPQ Gen1 nano silicon reactor producing spherical nanopowders and nanowires
by CM Staff
Heavy implications for low cost manufacturing of nano silicon materials.
Nano powders and nano wires
MONTREAL — HPQ Silicon Resources Inc., through its wholly–owned subsidiary, HPQ Nano Silicon Powders inc provides an update to shareholders regarding the ongoing Gen1 PUREVAP(TM) Nano Silicon Reactor commissioning tests conducted by technology provider PyroGenesis Canada Inc.
“With the Gen1 PUREVAP(TM) NSiR operational and exceeding expectations from the start, HPQ NANO is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of low-cost manufacturing of Nano Silicon for batteries and other applications, as we continue working on scaling up the capabilities of our PUREVAP(TM) NSiR process.” said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO HPQ Silicon.
PUREVAP(TM) NSiR LOW-COST PROCESS: FIRST RESULTS ENCOURAGING, MORE TESTING TO FOLLOW
The material produced, under the less than optimum operating conditions of the first commissioning tests, was analysed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and yielded the following information:
- Gen1 NSiR system performance exceeded design and modelling expectations:
- Successfully produced sub 100 nm silicon – based spherical nanopowders & nanowires.
- Computer models suggested that the size limit of the material produced would be between 100 nm and 200 nm.
SEM-XRD analysis indicates that the < 100 nm Si base spherical nanopowders & nanowires material could be used as anode material for Li-ion batteries, combined with graphite or not.
- Using results from data collected during these preliminary tests, PyroGenesis technical team has improved the design of the system and the operational parameters of the reactor.
- It will be possible to provide further inputs and controls on the process to customize the composition and size of the spherical nano powders and nano wires.
- The Gen1 NSiR is now ready to commence further testing of Silicon nano materials under new conditions, with a goal of producing larger size Silicon (Si) nanopowders and nanowires.
A METHODICAL APPROACH TO THE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF OUR DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Despite massive investment in Silicon material for batteries, current manufacturing processes are not scalable or commercially viable. The PUREVAP(TM) NSiR represents a possible solution in resolving the issues of commercial viability and scalability.
Bernard Tourillon added “HPQ’s Silicon R&D consortium has the depth and flexibility to meet the challenges as we strive to produce products for renewable energy storage participants and electric vehicle manufacturers, who are searching for cost effective ways of increasing the Silicon contained in their batteries. Silicon’s potential to meet energy storage demand is undeniable, generating massive investments, and serious industry interest. We are very confident that the Silicon materials we are producing, with our expected low-cost scalable processes, will be in high demand by batteries, EV manufacturers and other participants in the ongoing renewable energy revolution.”
