1414 Degrees (ASX: 14D) has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with JR Energy Solution (JRES), a South Korean battery electrode and cell manufacturer, opening a pathway for battery cells that incorporate 14D's SiNTL silicon anode material.

Under the collaboration, the two parties will examine SiNTL material samples, develop and optimise electrode formulations, manufacture electrodes and cells, and undertake half-cell and full-cell performance testing aimed at increasing lithium-ion battery energy density. The program is intended to establish the technical base for a definitive manufacturing agreement covering the scale-up and production of SiNTL-based battery cells at JRES's facilities in South Korea.

SiNTL is an advanced aluminium-coated silicon nanoparticle technology used to boost the capacity of lithium-ion battery anodes. Most commercial lithium-ion cells today rely on graphite anodes, and silicon has emerged as a key materials frontier for the industry because it can store substantially more lithium per gram than graphite. JRES operates a specialised battery electrode foundry, manufacturing electrodes and cells to customer specifications for a range of international battery developers. South Korea is also home to several of the world's largest lithium-ion battery producers, giving the collaboration proximity to an established battery manufacturing ecosystem.

Dr Peter Yaron, 1414 Degrees' chief technology and operations officer, said the collaboration gives the company access to third-party electrode and cell development capability, while providing a potential route to scaled battery cell production.

"This agreement with JRES adds an important manufacturing pathway as we progress SiNTL toward real-world applications and commercialisation," Dr Yaron said.

"We already have pathways into UAV, defence and space markets. Access to versatile electrode and cell manufacturing capability in South Korea gives us another option to support those programs and scale production as demand develops."

The market for silicon anode materials is forecast to expand significantly as battery manufacturers seek higher energy density, growing from approximately US$0.4 billion in 2025 to US$25.8 billion by 2035, a compound annual growth rate of 51.7%.

Alongside the development program, 1414 Degrees and JRES will consider the commercial and manufacturing terms for a definitive agreement that could support larger-scale production as SiNTL progresses through qualification and customer adoption. As a letter of intent, the arrangement sets out the parties' aims rather than binding production commitments, with the sample testing, electrode development and cell performance work designed to generate the technical evidence that would underpin any definitive deal.

Shares in 14D were up 18.3% at 7.1 cents, giving the company a market capitalisation of $40.25 million.