HPQ Silicon Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: HPQ)
(OTCQB: HPQFF) (FRA: O08), a technology company
specializing in green engineering of silica and silicon-based
materials is pleased to announce a first significant milestone
reached by its France-based affiliate, NOVACIUM SAS ("Novacium").
Novacium commissioned an external laboratory to produce 18650
industrial batteries using its engineered SiOx material, for which
HPQ Silicon Inc. holds exclusive global licenses. This process was
initiated with the intent to validate the immediate industrial
potential of its SiOx material.
The first batch utilized 100% graphite anode material, serving
as benchmark batteries for performance comparison. These benchmarks
were then compared to the second batch, which consisted of a blend
of 90% graphite and 10% of Novacium's first-generation engineered
SiOx anode material.
“Charging and discharging cycle tests are ongoing, and
preliminary results, after 5 cycles, are not just promising, they
exceed our expectations [1],” said Dr. Jed Kraiem Ph.D., COO of
Novacium.
Image 1) Dr. Jed Kraiem PhD, COO of
Novacium holding an HPQ and Novacium Gen 1 18650
industrial battery.
ACHIEVING 14% BATTERY CAPACITY IMPROVEMENT WITH SILICON
INTEGRATION
Achieving a 14% overall improvement in industrial type
full-battery capacity compared to the 100% graphite benchmark
batteries is indeed a significant accomplishment. These results
surpass HPQ/NOVACIUM theoretical estimate of validating a 10%
improvement in battery performance for these tests.
The absence of a measurable first cycle degradation, despite
incorporating silicon, is particularly noteworthy. Silicon is known
to expand and contract during charging and discharging cycles,
which can lead to capacity loss. The fact that this issue has been
mitigated is a promising sign for the potential application of this
technology in battery manufacturing.
ENGINEERED SiOX
MATERIALS STRATEGY
Novacium and HPQ are focused on creating engineered SiOx anode
materials designed to improve the performance of graphite-based
lithium-ion batteries. These advancements target various
applications, including energy storage systems, consumer
electronics, and electric vehicles.
“Drawing on our technical expertise gained from the photovoltaic
industry, our goal is to produce a proprietary engineered SiOx
anode materials using cost-effective equipment and highly scalable
processes that are already proven in a multi-ton-scale pilot
manufacturing line, therefore allowing for the seamless integration
of our engineered SiOx anode material into existing electrode
mixing and coating equipment,” said Dr. Jed Kraiem PhD, COO of
Novacium. “The resulting Graphite and SiOx mixture will not only
significantly enhance battery capacity but also can be utilized
without modification by large-scale gigafactories worldwide.”
TEST OBJECTIVES
The primary aim of making industrial batteries from the start
was to showcase our ability to produce graphite and engineered SiOx
anode materials that battery manufacturers can use without altering
their existing production processes. This capability is central to
our strategy. The initial outcomes not only highlight the
adaptability and compatibility of Novacium's methods but also
suggest the possibility for broader industry application.
Continuing the charging and discharging cycle tests will be
crucial to further validate the long-term performance and
durability of these batteries. If the positive trend observed in
the initial cycles persists, it could significantly advance battery
technology with potential implications for various applications,
including electric vehicles and portable electronics.
“These first results exceed our expectations, especially
considering that our initial series of tests used a non-optimized
version of our SiOx material. This leaves room for further improved
results in the future,” said Mr. Bernard Tourillon, President and
CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc. and NOVACIUM SAS. “As more cycle testing
results become available, we believe that they will further confirm
our unique ability to make this product and the commercial
potential of Novacium-engineered SiOx-based anode materials.”
WHY USE THE 18650 BATTERY MODEL?
The commercial-grade lithium-ion battery model 18650 was
intentionally selected due to its widespread use in consumer
electronics, power tools and electric vehicle battery packs. This
choice was strategic and aimed at leveraging the 18650 battery's
established reputation for durability, high energy density, and
efficient power conversion capabilities. In other words, 18650
battery was chosen as “the most standard” Lithium battery on the
market.
The 18650 battery, characterized by its cylindrical form factor
(18mm x 65mm), offers a balance between size and power, making it
larger than standard AA batteries but significantly more potent,
with a voltage of 3.7v and capacity ranging from 2500mAh to
3500mAh. Its high drain capability and ability to be recharged
hundreds or thousands of times without significant degradation make
it an ideal candidate for projects demanding consistent, high-level
power output. By selecting this battery type, which is a
cornerstone in the EV industry, we ensure seamless integration and
avoid potential issues related to power conversion when
transitioning between different types of batteries.
This decision capitalizes on the battery's reliability and
efficiency and aligns with industry standards, providing a familiar
reference point for further development and application in various
technological arenas.
We are aware that in the future, the standard battery will
evolve toward the 21700 battery, therefore we are in process of
preparing a next series of test using these types of industrial
batteries.
“Today's announcement marks a significant milestone, reinforcing
our strategic alliance with our associated company, Novacium. With
our exclusive global licenses, HPQ is strategically positioned in
the global market as a reliable and sustainable source of
innovatively engineered SiOx battery materials," Mr. Tourillon
added.
REFERENCE SOURCES
[1] |
|
Novacium technical team analysis of the data from the ongoing
charging and discharging cycle tests conducted at a world-leading
university, the name of which is kept confidential for competitive
reasons. |
About NOVACIUM SAS
Novacium is an HPQ associated company started in
Q3 2022. This green technology startup is based in Lyon, France and
is a partnership with HPQ and three of France’s leading research
engineers, Dr. Jed KRAIEM PhD, Novacium's Chief Operating Officer
(“COO”), Dr. Oleksiy NICHIPORUK PhD, Novacium's Chief Technical
Officer (“CTO”), and Dr. Julien DEGOULANGE PhD, Novacium’s Chief
Innovation Officer (“CIO”). Novacium is a new Research and
Development company which allows the researchers to develop their
own technology in high added value fields connected to renewable
energy, and allows HPQ Silicon Inc, a Canadian company, to expand
the depth and reach of technical team to help develop its silicon
and new renewable energy projects.
About HPQ Silicon
HPQ Silicon Inc. (TSX-V: HPQ) is a
Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange Tier 1 Industrial Issuer.
HPQ is developing, with the support of
world-class technology partners PyroGenesis Canada Inc. and
NOVACIUM SAS, new green processes crucial to make the critical
materials needed to reach net zero emissions.
HPQ activities are centred around the following
four (4) pillars:
|
1) |
|
Becoming a green low-cost (Capex and Opex) manufacturer of Fumed
Silica using the FUMED SILICA REACTOR, a
proprietary technology owned by HPQ being developed for HPQ by
PyroGenesis. |
|
2) |
|
Becoming a zero CO2 low-cost (Capex and Opex) producer of High
Purity Silicon (2N+ to 4N) using our
PUREVAPTM “Quartz
Reduction Reactors” (QRR), a proprietary technology owned
by HPQ being developed for HPQ by PyroGenesis. |
|
3) |
|
Becoming a producer of silicon-based anode materials for battery
applications with the assistance of NOVACIUM SAS. |
|
4) |
|
HPQ SILICON affiliate NOVACIUM SAS is developing a low carbon,
chemical base on demand and high-pressure autonomous hydrogen
production system. |
For more information, please visit HPQ Silicon
web site.
Disclaimers:
This press release contains certain
forward-looking statements, including, without limitation,
statements containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate",
"continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and
other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking
information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws.
Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current
expectation and assumptions and are subject to a number of risks
and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our
expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the
market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the
capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to
research and development, the impact of competitive products and
pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the
regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current
views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject
to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from
time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with the security’s
regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at
www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ
materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking
statements either as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its
Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for
the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This News Release is available on the
company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum, a moderated social
media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A
between Management and Shareholders.
Source: HPQ Silicon Inc.For further
information contact: Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman,
President, and CEO Tel +1 (514) 846-3271Patrick Levasseur, Director
Tel: +1 (514) 262-9239Email: Info@hpqsilicon.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/02eb4381-196d-44e1-a359-97943e41d222
HPQ Silicon (TSXV:HPQ)
Historical Stock Chart
From Mar 2024 to Apr 2024
HPQ Silicon (TSXV:HPQ)
Historical Stock Chart
From Apr 2023 to Apr 2024