Gukjeon Yakpum Selected for National Project to Develop Core Technology of Non-Flammable Electrolyte Additives for Next-Generation Batteries

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] Raw material pharmaceutical manufacturer Gukjeon Pharm announced on the 14th that it has been selected as a business operator for the ‘2021 Research Material Development Expansion Support Project’ hosted by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Job Promotion, together with Chung-Ang University.

The government-funded research project selected is ‘Development of Core Technology for Non-flammable Electrolyte Additives for Next-generation Lithium Secondary Batteries’.

Gukjeon Pharm is a raw material pharmaceutical manufacturer possessing chemical synthesis technology. It plans to conduct research to improve degradation issues by increasing battery electrolyte additives. Being selected as a project operator is evaluated to increase the possibility of entering the battery non-flammable electrolyte additive market.

Existing electric vehicle batteries experienced various side reactions due to the decomposition of electrolyte EC (solvent) and LiPF6 (lithium salt). The decrease in concentration of the core charge lithium ions and the electron transport medium EC caused electrode collapse, resulting in severe performance degradation. There were drawbacks such as rapid lifespan reduction at high temperatures and explosiveness.

To solve these problems, Gukjeon Pharm is developing organic material technology for electrolyte additives of next-generation lithium-ion batteries that remove substances attacking the protective film within the electrolyte, protect the interfacial structure, and enhance non-flammable characteristics.

A company official explained, "The government-funded project is conducted in the form of a consortium linked with secondary battery electrolyte demand companies," adding, "Upon successful development, we have secured supply intentions from next-generation electric vehicle battery electrolyte manufacturers."

Gukjeon Pharm is conducting a paid-in capital increase to secure funds for investment in electronic material production facilities and strengthening research and development. As the first issuance price was set higher than the initial issuance price, the scale of fund procurement increased to 55 billion KRW.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.