The proposed project will conduct a prototype demonstration of a proven process for producing low- cost and high-performance silicon monoxide (SIO) with graphene coating (SIO/g) anode materials for…

The Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy awarded the University of North Dakota $1,249,999 on June 1, 2026, under the Conservation Research and Development program (CFDA 81.086) to conduct a prototype demonstration of silicon monoxide with graphene coating (SiO/G) anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The project leverages high-purity silicon scrap waste from semiconductor partners, plasma-based SiO synthesis techniques, and the university's patented in-situ graphene coating technology using humic acid as a graphene precursor. Performance occurs in Grand Forks, North Dakota, through May 31, 2028. Lattice Materials, Leonardite Products LLC, Packet Digital LLC, and University of Idaho participate as sub-recipients in the project. The Conservation Research and Development program funds balanced, long-term research in energy efficiency technologies including advanced materials and manufacturing.

The proposed project will conduct a prototype demonstration of a proven process for producing low- cost and high-performance silicon monoxide (SIO) with graphene coating (SIO/g) anode materials for lithium-ION batteries (libs). The achievement of the goal leverages the following key components: 1) the high-purity of SI scrap waste produced from our semiconductor partner; 2) an innovative plasma- based SIO synthetic techniques, 3) a unique graphene precursor humic acid and UND's patented technology for in-situ synthesis of graphene coated SIO anode. In addition to UND, lattice materials, leonardite products LLC, packet digital LLC and university of idaho will all participate in the project.