Green14 Tests Breakthrough Silicon-Based Anode Material
Swedish Startup Green14 Begins Testing of Innovative Silicon-Based Anode Material
Swedish startup Green14 has announced the launch of testing for its innovative silicon-based anode material. The research is being conducted by the battery team at the renowned RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden). This marks the first practical verification of a new plasma-based technology that could contribute to the decarbonization of the energy and transportation sectors.
Green Silicon from Hydrogen and Quartz
Founded in 2021, Green14 has developed a proprietary method for producing silicon using hydrogen plasma — entirely without fossil fuels, coal, or toxic chemicals. The process relies solely on electricity and hydrogen, while the feedstock used is widely available quartz. According to Adam Podgórski, founder and CEO of Green14, this method yields very high-purity silicon with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
The first batch of material, produced at Green14’s pilot facility located at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, has been delivered to RISE for testing. “Having our silicon tested by RISE is a major milestone for us. It’s proof that our technology works — not just in theory, but in practice,” said Podgórski.
The next phase will involve the creation of a so-called “coin cell” — a small test battery the size of a watch battery — which will allow evaluation of the material’s performance in conditions similar to real-world applications.
Silicon as a Breakthrough Battery Material
Silicon anodes are considered one of the top priorities in the development of next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Compared to traditional graphite anodes, they offer significantly higher energy density. This translates to longer runtime for electronic devices and increased range for electric vehicles. Alongside Green14, companies like Amprius and Sila Nanotechnologies are also working on implementing silicon-based materials. “Our ambition at Green14 is to deliver eco-friendly, low-emission, and competitively priced silicon materials,” emphasized Podgórski.
A core component of Green14’s strategy is its plasma metallization technology, which the startup plans to license to global partners. Their 100 kW pilot facility can produce up to 5 kg per hour of pure silicon or silane. Notably, the platform can also be adapted to produce strategically important metals — such as titanium, tungsten, vanadium, or rare earth elements — opening up new opportunities for industrial decarbonization.
Source: green14.com