Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Canada's energy transition towards a cleaner, more affordable future is propelled by the demand for reliable electricity, vital for various applications including transportation and portable electronics. While lithium-ion batteries have been dominant, concerns over their safety (flammability and leakage) due to the use of liquid electrolytes have led to a focus on solid-state rechargeable batteries. Among these, aluminum-ion (Al) batteries have emerged as a promising alternative, offering enhanced safety and performance. Despite challenges in materials utilization, such as anodic, cathodic and electrolytic materials, their high specific capacity, non-flammability, low cost and accessibility make them an attractive option. Cenith Energy Corp., a Canadian solar power developer, has been operating since 2002, offering various components for solar power systems including solar panels, frames, mounting brackets, inverters, and rechargeable batteries. However, their reliance on third-party rechargeable batteries for their line of products has proven unsustainable both economically and environmentally. Thus, Cenith is committed to developing their own rechargeable battery based on a simple, yet practical AI-ion battery framework. In collaboration with Lambton College and Cenith Energy, we propose a novel, low-cost all-solid-state Al-ion battery framework based on an ionic liquid electrolyte and nano-engineered titanate composite cathode, currently under development at Lambton College, and a battery management system (BMS) developed by Cenith Energy Corp. Optimizing a novel active electrolyte and electrode materials to fabricate a series of single cells and multiple battery banks, the development of Al-ion batteries will allow Cenith to commercialize this product. Cenith anticipates an increase in their annual revenue by 30% in the first three years following its marketing. There are much anticipated benefits to Canada from the commercialization of this project including economic growth, and increased job creation with an estimated 2-3 new employment opportunities each year after the completion of the project. Bolstering the clean technology sector with also present reduced environmental impacts and greater exports and global competitiveness within the space.