1414 Degrees (ASX: 14D) Secures Silicon Battery Technology from George Washington University

1414 Degrees Taps U.S. Innovation to Advance Next-Generation Battery Technology

It is not every day that a small Australian energy company steps into the global battery race. Yet today, 1414 Degrees (ASX: 14D) announced an exclusive licence agreement with George Washington University to commercialise a breakthrough silicon nanoparticle technology designed for lithium-ion battery anodes.

The opportunity is hard to ignore. Lithium-ion batteries power everything from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage, and the market is expected to grow exponentially in the coming decade. Until now, most anodes have been made from graphite, but researchers have discovered that silicon can store up to ten times more lithium, offering far greater energy density and performance. The challenge has been making silicon stable and affordable enough for large-scale use, and this is exactly where 1414 Degrees’ newly acquired technology could change the game.

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Breakthrough Silicon Nanoparticle Design Solves Key Durability Problem in Lithium-Ion Batteries

The key challenge with silicon in lithium-ion batteries has always been its tendency to expand by up to 300 percent when charged, creating mechanical stress that causes the particles to crack and lose capacity over time. Researchers at George Washington University have addressed this issue by developing silicon nanoparticles smaller than 150 nanometres, which remain stable under these conditions.

Each nanoparticle is coated with a thin aluminium layer of around 2 percent, acting as a flexible, protective shell. This coating prevents degradation from air or moisture and improves electrical conductivity, which is critical for fast charging. Because the coated nanoparticles are stable and easy to handle, they can be produced, stored, and integrated into batteries using existing manufacturing infrastructure, making the technology both scalable and commercially practical.

The Strategic Importance of This Acquisition

For 1414 Degrees, this acquisition represents a strategic expansion into the rapidly growing battery materials market. The company secured the exclusive rights to the patented technology for AUD 1.214 million, strengthening its commercial asset base and positioning it for future participation in the electric vehicle supply chain. The global silicon anode market is projected to grow from USD 536.5 million in 2025 to over USD 20.8 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate of nearly 50 percent. This acquisition not only enhances 1414 Degrees’ portfolio but also marks an important step toward integrating the company into one of the most dynamic and high-growth segments of the energy transition.