[Dreaming of Next-Generation Batteries] "All-Solid-State is the Way Forward... LG Energy Solution Leads"

①LG Energy Solution Son Gwonnam, Next-Generation Electric Development Center Leader

High Technical Barrier Sulfide System
Developing with University of San Diego

Fast Charging Possible at Room Temperature
Will Be a True Game Changer

Polymer System Commercialization in 2026
Competitive in Speed Race with China and Japan

[Editor's Note] The global competition for next-generation electric vehicle battery technology is fierce. From components including the four major materials to battery manufacturing and recycling, a massive ecosystem innovation is envisioned. Accordingly, Asia Economy aims to explore the current status of 'K-Battery' and glimpse future growth opportunities by meeting domestic battery experts through a year-round project.

In the first installment, we focus on all-solid-state batteries, which have recently garnered the hottest attention in the battery industry. Three domestic battery companies plan to commercialize all-solid-state batteries within 3 to 4 years that can dramatically increase energy density. Since all-solid-state batteries do not use highly flammable electrolytes, the risk of explosion is reduced, and the use of high energy density cathode and anode materials is possible, which is expected to significantly extend the driving range of electric vehicles.

Son Gwon-nam, Leader of Next-Generation Battery Development Center at LG Energy Solution. (Photo by LG Energy Solution)

"Among all-solid-state secondary batteries, both 'polymer-based' and 'sulfide-based' types are under development. In particular, LG Energy Solution is expected to be the frontrunner in commercializing sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries, which have high technical barriers."

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Hyungil and Moon Chaeseok] Son Gwonnam, leader of the Next-Generation Battery Development Center at LG Energy Solution, the No.1 domestic battery company, emphasized that developing all-solid-state battery technology is a "difficult but necessary path."

All-solid-state batteries replace the electrolyte between the cathode and anode of secondary batteries from liquid to solid, enabling higher energy density and enhanced safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. As competition in technology development intensifies, security issues are also very important, so major domestic battery companies like LG Energy Solution do not disclose their research labs or workshops.

A poster of all-solid-state secondary batteries displayed at the LG Energy Solution booth at the '2022 InterBattery' held at COEX, Samseong-dong, Seoul on the 17th of last month. (Photo by Moon Chae-seok)

LG Energy Solution's differentiation point in all-solid-state batteries is that it is developing both polymer-based and sulfide-based batteries. The commercialization target is 2026 for polymer-based and 2030 for sulfide-based batteries. Polymer-based batteries have a structure similar to current liquid electrolyte secondary batteries, so they can be produced with existing manufacturing facilities, and the process is relatively simple, resulting in high price competitiveness.

However, the ionic conductivity, which is the criterion for energy efficiency, is not considered high. Therefore, LG Energy Solution's strategy is to secure polymer-based batteries that can be mass-produced before the sulfide-based battery development phase, so as not to fall behind Chinese and Japanese companies in the race for technology development and commercialization speed.

A poster of all-solid-state secondary batteries displayed at the LG Energy Solution booth at '2022 InterBattery' held at COEX, Samseong-dong, Seoul on the 17th of last month. (Photo by Moon Chae-seok)

Sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries are evaluated to play a true 'game changer' role. When the sulfide-based all-solid-state battery being developed by LG Energy Solution in collaboration with the University of California San Diego (UCSD) is completed, rapid charging, which was only possible above 90°C, will be possible at room temperature.

Battery capacity will increase tenfold compared to existing batteries, and energy density will improve by 40%. Safety will be significantly enhanced compared to lithium-ion batteries. The number of charge-discharge cycles can also reach up to 500.

Leader Son said, "Although sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries have high technical hurdles to overcome, considering LG Energy Solution's material research foundation and solid lithium-ion battery process technology, LG Energy Solution will be the frontrunner in commercialization."

A post about all-solid-state secondary batteries displayed at the LG Energy Solution booth at the '2022 InterBattery' held at COEX, Samseong-dong, Seoul on the 17th of last month. (Photo by Moon Chae-seok)

In the lightweight battery sector, LG Energy Solution plans to commercialize lithium-sulfur batteries by 2027. The company intends to pioneer the market focusing on flying vehicles such as high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles, drones, and UAM (Urban Air Mobility), where reducing 'payload weight' is critical.

LG Energy Solution's lithium-sulfur batteries are characterized by using inexpensive sulfur as the cathode and lithium as the anode. Since the cathode uses lightweight materials made of sulfur and carbon, it helps reduce battery weight.

Leader Son judged that for the solid electrolyte of all-solid-state batteries to perform properly, corresponding cathode, anode, battery manufacturing processes, and operating conditions must all be developed. Maintaining solid-to-solid contact and rationalizing material costs are necessary to achieve both economic feasibility and quality.

He explained, "To improve the ability to maintain solid-to-solid contact, the process must differ from existing lithium-ion battery processes, but currently, research is underway to simplify the process. Securing battery structure and operating pressure to maintain solid-to-solid contact well during charge-discharge cycles is key."

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