Saint Jean Carbon Releases Test Data for Its Solid Electrolyte Battery Technology and Provides Operational Update

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CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 11, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saint Jean Carbon Inc. (“Saint Jean” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: SJL) a Canadian based company whose recently acquired wholly-owned subsidiary Solid Ultrabattery Inc. (“Solid Ultrabattery”), a company initially started by Dr Zhongwei Chen, Canada Research Chair and Professor from the University of Waterloo, is pleased to announce the release of its initial test data from batteries built using Solid Ultrabattery’s proprietary solid electrolyte battery.

The results of 3000 charge/discharge cycles from Solid Ultrabattery’s LiFePO4 coin cells is shown in the figures below. The capacity retention of these cells indicate a high Coulombic efficiency (CE) close to 100% as shown in Figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Coulombic Efficiency

After 3000 cycles of testing at C-rates of 0.2C and 1C charge/discharge, the cells maintained capacity retention of 80% as shown in Figure 2 below.

Figure 2: Specific Capacity & Retention

As depicted in Figure 3 below, Solid Ultrabattery’s cells were tested at C-rates varied between 0.5C to 10C. The 5C rate was observed to sustain 80% capacity retention at 3000 cycles.

Figure 3: Capacity

The first pouch cells fabricated with Solid Ultrabattery’s solid electrolyte technology were made using an NMC chemistry and tested for safety against perforations by subjecting the pouch cell to a nail penetration test. Figure 4 below shows a view of the pouch cell during the penetration test. It was observed that Solid Ultrabattery’s cells did not catch fire or exhibit any thermal runaway during the safety testing. Further information regarding the testing of Solid Ultrabattery’s pouch can be found on our website at

Figure 4: Nail Penetration Test

“I am pleased to see that the initial results of the coin cells performed well which validates the fidelity of our intellectual property. In the next phase, we plan to refine our solid state electrolyte formulation and build pouch cells using NMC cathodes. As we start to build these prototypes from our Guelph plant, we will no longer need to rely on suppliers to provide battery fabrication and test services. This enables us to better protect our intellectual property while we attempt to fully develop this battery technology rapidly” Quotes Dr Zhongwei Chen, who is also a Director of Saint Jean Carbon.

Operational Update

The prototype battery fabrication equipment arrived at the battery plant at 590 Hanlon Creek Blvd in Guelph, Ontario in early November and is currently being commissioned. The plant is expected to be fully operational in two weeks. The Company plans to build its first pouch cells at this location in December. These pouch cells will be used for testing and to attempt to further validate Solid Ultrabattery’s technology.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Saint Jean Carbon Inc.

Dr. William Pfaffenberger, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President

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Tel: (250) 381-6181

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Saint Jean’s business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as ‘‘plans’’, ‘‘expects’’ or ‘‘does not expect’’, “intends” ‘‘budget’’, ‘‘scheduled’’, ‘‘estimates’’, “forecasts’’, ‘‘intends’’, ‘‘anticipates’’ or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results ‘‘may’’, ‘‘could’’, ‘‘would’’, ‘‘might’’ or ‘‘will be taken’’, ‘‘occur’’ or ‘‘be achieved’’. 

These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially. Although Saint Jean believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements include statements with respect to: (i) the Company’s plan to refine its solid state electrolyte formulation and build pouch cells using NMC cathodes; (ii) the Company’s attempt to fully develop this battery technology rapidly; (iii) the Company’s expectation that the prototype battery fabrication plant will be fully operational in two weeks; (iv) the Company’s plan to build its first pouch cells at its prototype battery fabrication plant in December; and (v) the Company’s attempt to further validate Solid Ultrabattery’s technology. Statements of past performance should not be construed as an indication of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors, including those discussed above, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Saint Jean assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities legislation.