An Austrian-led research initiative is advancing the development of next-generation lithium-ion batteries by using recycled silicon from decommissioned solar panels to create a new type of composite anode. The project, called MoSiLIB and coordinated by the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, is exploring a silicon (graphite)-tin sulfide (SnS₂) anode designed to reduce raw material usage while boosting energy storage capacity and battery lifespan.
According to AIT, the MoSiLIB project is targeting a reversible capacity of 800 mAh/g over more than 1,000 charging cycles using a combination of spray drying and high-energy ball milling for material processing. Spray drying involves evaporating liquid from solid-containing sprays, while ball milling mechanically reduces material size under high kinetic energy.
AIT researchers say the resulting anode’s heterostructure—comprising Si/Li₂S and Sn/Li₂S—helps mitigate volume expansion and particle agglomeration during charge-discharge cycles. This property is expected to increase battery life and make the material suitable for third-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) using LNMO cathodes.
“With MoSiLIB, we are taking a decisive step towards sustainable and high-performance lithium-ion batteries,” said Damian Cupid, AIT researcher and project coordinator. “By combining innovative materials and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, we can not only improve the efficiency of batteries, but also reduce their ecological impact. This is an essential contribution to the energy storage of the future and the further development of electric mobility.”
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Alongside AIT, the project consortium includes the University of Vienna, AVL List GmbH, Frimeco Produktions GmbH, Université de Liège, and the University of Ljubljana. The group is also working on scaling pilot-scale electrode processing methods to support industrial application.