Silicon Increases Li-ion Battery Capacity

Source: Sify News (10/14/10)

"Treated silicon could increase battery energy storage tenfold."

Rice University and Lockheed Martin scientists have found that silicon can radically increase the capacity of lithium-ion batteries.

"The anode, or negative, side of today's batteries is made of graphite, which works. It's everywhere, but it's maxed out. You can't stuff anymore lithium into graphite than we already have," said Michael Wong, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering and of chemistry.

Silicon has the highest theoretical capacity of any material for storing lithium, but after a couple of cycles of swelling and shrinking, it cracks. Putting micron-sized pores into the surface of a silicon wafer gives the material sufficient room to expand.

While common lithium-ion batteries hold about 300 milliamp hours per gram of carbon-based anode material, they determined the treated silicon could theoretically store more than 10 times that amount.

The straightforward process makes it highly adaptable for manufacturing.

"The other advantage is that we've seen fairly long lifetimes. Our current batteries have 200-250 cycles, much longer than nanowire batteries," the researchers noted.

The researchers are confident that cheap, plentiful silicon combined with ease of manufacture could help push their idea into the mainstream, as it significantly increase the performance of lithium-ion batteries, which are used in a wide range of commercial, military and aerospace applications.

"Our goal is to develop a model of the strain that silicon undergoes in cycling lithium. Once we understand that, we'll have a much better idea of how to maximize its potential," Wong said.

Announcing Streetwise Live! Events
Source: Streetwise Reports (07/13/2020)

Streetwise Reports is offering 100 investors—at no charge—the opportunity to meet via Zoom with executives of precious metals companies as they discuss recent developments at their companies and upcoming catalysts.

"China's export quota could be opportunity for Canadian miners"

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Source: Marc Davis, BNW News (05/25/2010)

Latin America, the world's last great mineral frontier for prolific gold discoveries, is proving a godsend for some lucky investors.

Mexico: Gold's Next Powerhouse Player
Source: Marc Davis, BNW News (11/03/2009)

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Source: Brent Cook, Exploration Insights (04/14/2009)

Given the declining global gold production, mining companies’ demand for reserve replacement and the acute dearth of new gold discoveries, there is no doubt that real economic discoveries will be exceptionally valuable. . .the opportunity for stellar profits is the best it has probably ever been. Identifying the few successes, however, will require vigilant and constant technical assessment of geology and drill results, always with an eye to mine economics.

Congo Completes Mining Review, Says Majors Quit Talks
Source: Reuters (12/20/2008)

"Review process is extended an additional 45 days to allow six companies to return to the negotiating table for direct talks with government ministers."

I haven’t spoken to my old mining stock friend, noted and universally respected gold stock guru, Bob Bishop, about Rare Element in a year, but I hear he is still a supporter and very large shareholder. I don’t believe he will hold it against me to remind you that this was one of his favorite holdings when he left the newsletter writing business. . .

It's Only the Beginning for Uranium
Source: www.financialinsights.com (06/03/2005)

Dr. Richard S. Appel, author of Financial Insights, first became bullish on uranium in mid-2003, when it appeared obvious that its supply versus demand equation was fated to seriously drive higher its price. Since then, a series of events in the uranium industry has led Appel to believe that uranium prices will reach never before seen levels.

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