Quebec tech company HPQ Silicon — says GEN1 of its nano silicon reactor has exceeded expectations

Montreal — Innovative silicon solutions provider HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. (“HPQ” or the “Company”); through its wholly-owned subsidiary, HPQ Nano Silicon Powders inc (“HPQ NANO”), is pleased to update shareholders on milestones achieved during ongoing Gen1 PUREVAP™ Nano Silicon Reactor (“NSiR”) commissioning tests conducted by technology provider PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX: PYR).

“With the Gen1 PUREVAP™ NSiR operational and exceeding expectations from the start, HPQ NANO is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of low-cost manufacturing of Nano Silicon for batteries and other applications, as we continue working on scaling up the capabilities of our PUREVAP™ NSiR process,” said Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO HPQ Silicon.

PUREVAP™ NSiR LOW-COST PROCESS: FIRST RESULTS ENCOURAGING, MORE TESTING TO FOLLOW

The material produced, under the less than optimum operating conditions of the first commissioning tests, was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and yielded the following information:

• Gen1 NSiR system performance exceeded design and modelling expectations:

– Successfully produced sub 100 nm silicon-based spherical nanopowders & nanowires.
– Computer models suggested that the size limit of the material produced would be between 100 nm and 200 nm.

1) Spherical Silicon (Si) base Nanopowders 2) Spherical Silicon (Si) base Nanopowders & Nanowires 3) Silicon (Si) base Nanowires

• SEM-XRD analysis indicates that the < 100 nm Si base spherical nanopowders & nanowires material could be used as anode material for Li-ion batteries, combined with graphite or not.
• Samples from these commissioning tests have been sent to Professor Lionel ROUÉ of the Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications (EMT) for electrochemical evaluation.
• Using results from data collected during these preliminary tests, PyroGenesis technical team has improved the design of the system and the operational parameters of the reactor.

– It will be possible to provide further inputs and controls on the process to customize the composition and size of the spherical nanopowders and nanowires.

• The Gen1 NSiR is now ready to commence further testing of Silicon nanomaterials under new conditions, with a goal of producing larger size Silicon (Si) nanopowders and nanowires.

A METHODICAL APPROACH TO THE COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF OUR DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Despite massive investment in Silicon material for batteries, current manufacturing processes are simply not scalable or commercially viable. The PUREVAP™ NSiR represents a game-changing leap forward in resolving the issues of commercial viability and scalability, and with the Gen1 NSiR now operational, HPQ NANO is uniquely well-positioned to offer industry participants a wide spectrum of products for testing.

The scale of the Gen1 PUREVAP™ NSiR allows HPQ NANO technical provider PyroGenesis to take full advantage of a quick R&D feedback loop during the testing phase. Over short periods, tests are completed, material produced is analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD), operational parameters are reviewed and system modifications and/or operational improvements are implemented. This is the key to our methodical approach of developing a truly disruptive low-cost technology that is going to change nano silicon materials manufacturing.

Tourillon added “HPQ’s Silicon R&D consortium has the depth and flexibility to meet the challenges as we strive to produce products for renewable energy storage participants and electric vehicle manufacturers, who are searching for cost-effective ways of increasing the Silicon contained in their batteries. Silicon’s potential to meet energy storage demand is undeniable, generating massive investments, and serious industry interest. We are very confident that the Silicon materials we are producing, with our expected low-cost scalable processes, will be in high demand by batteries, EV manufacturers and other participants in the ongoing renewable energy revolution.”