SK Nexilis Develops World's First High-Elongation 'V Copper Foil' for Next-Generation Cylindrical Batteries

Increase Elongation Rate by Over 30% Compared to Existing Market Products

Copper foil product manufactured by SK Nexilis. Photo by SK Nexilis

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] SK Nexilis, an investor in SKC's copper foil business for secondary batteries, announced on the 13th that it has completed the development of high-elongation 'V Copper Foil' for the world's first next-generation high-capacity cylindrical battery, the '4680 battery,' and is set to actively expand its market presence.

SK Nexilis completed the development of V Copper Foil with an elongation rate over 30% higher than existing market products and became the first in the global copper foil industry to pass customer evaluations. After mass production evaluations, it is expected to be the first to be applied in the customer's mass production of the 4680 battery. The 4680 battery is a cylindrical battery with a diameter of 46mm and a length of 80mm, offering 5 to 6 times higher energy density and output compared to existing products (2170 battery). The elongation rate refers to the ratio by which the copper foil stretches without breaking when pulled.

SK Nexilis's high-elongation V Copper Foil compensates for issues caused by the expansion phenomenon of the anode material inside the battery during charging and discharging through its high elongation rate. It is suitable for cylindrical secondary batteries, which experience relatively strong expansion due to their battery structure. In particular, copper foil with a very high elongation rate is essential for high-capacity cylindrical batteries for electric vehicles, including the 4680 battery.

High-capacity cylindrical batteries have lower manufacturing costs and superior performance compared to pouch-type or prismatic batteries, and major electric vehicle manufacturers are actively considering their adoption. According to the industry, the cylindrical battery market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 23% until 2030, centered on high-capacity products. The copper foil market for cylindrical batteries is also expected to grow rapidly from 43,000 tons in 2022 to 230,000 tons in 2030.

Accordingly, demand for SK Nexilis's high-elongation V Copper Foil is also expected to increase rapidly. SK Nexilis previously succeeded in securing mass production technology for ultra-high-strength 'U Copper Foil' with a tensile strength of 65 kgf/㎟, the first in the industry, establishing a full lineup of high-strength copper foil products. By adding high-elongation V Copper Foil, SK Nexilis has secured a product lineup that can meet various physical property requirements demanded by customers, which is expected to simultaneously enhance battery product performance and productivity.

A SK Nexilis representative said, "Through continuous research and development, SK Nexilis has established a mass production system for high-elongation V Copper Foil following high-quality high-strength copper foil. By combining existing competitive advantages in ultra-thin, wide-width, and long-length manufacturing with technology that responds to various physical properties, we will supply the world's highest quality copper foil and contribute to the development of South Korea's secondary battery industry."

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