Boron in batteries and capacitors
Energy storage systems are experiencing tremendous growth—largely due to rising electricity prices, falling production costs, and investment incentives. Among them, batteries and capacitors are devices that are enabling a transition to cleaner, renewable energy.
To fully reach their potential, batteries and capacitors need high-quality materials, such as boron, that enhance performance and support longer product lifespans. Boron compounds impart benefits across multiple battery and capacitor functions—from electrolyte solutions to surface treatments. By using boron, you can lower costs, save energy, and improve durability.
Of course, battery and capacitor production environments are complex; purity is essential. Contaminants in additives can derail sensitive processes and render your product worthless. That’s why you need a partner who not only meets rigorous quality standards in every batch but also has the technical acumen to ensure the right borate concentration for your needs.
The role of borates in lithium-ion batteries
Borates serve two main purposes in lithium-ion battery manufacturing: Protection and lowering energy use.
Protection
The higher your battery’s charge rate, the more likely adverse lithium dendrite deposits will form on the graphite-based anode. These cause battery cells to short out, fail, and even ignite fires in exceptional circumstances. Applying a borate surface coating protects against lithium deposition. Research has also shown borates improve the stability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI).
Used in lithium-ion battery electrolytes, these borate compounds improve thermal and cycle stability:
Lithium bis(oxalate) borate (LiBOB)
Lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4)
Lithium difluoro (oxalate) borate (LiDFOB)
Conserving energy
The graphitization process is critical to your lithium-ion battery’s performance, affecting attributes such as energy density, cycle life, and rate capability. Incorporating boron before graphitization saves energy by lowering the necessary treatment temperature. In lithium-ion batteries, borates:
Improve electrochemical properties
Increase crystalline structure, making lithium ion transfer easier
Enable a higher capacity than pure graphite (437 mAh/g vs 372 mAh/g)
Borates in capacitors
Boron positively impacts a capacitor’s ability to store energy. Whether you’re producing a dry or wet capacitor, refined borates act as cleaning agents for the dielectric medium and are commonly incorporated into the electrolyte solution.
Why choose U.S. Borax for batteries and capacitors?
Rigid quality and purity standards
Your product’s performance depends on consistent inputs, free of contaminants. Our high-quality standards ensure you get refined borates that are:
Free of impurities
Less prone to caking
Chemically and physically stable
Leading research and development
We’re more than a trusted supplier. Our team has a proven track record for innovation, including both product development and process improvement. We conduct collaborative research with leading organizations to advance understanding of how borates can enhance battery and capacitor performance.
Trusted technical support, responsive customer service
From detailed safety data sheets to meticulous product traceability to process and product consulting, our team is here to deliver what you need.
