SK On Collaborates with Hanyang and Yonsei Universities on Next-Generation Battery Research

Joint Research on Next-Generation Battery Core Technology Development

Choi Kyung-hwan, head of next-generation batteries at SK On (right), is signing a business agreement for the establishment of an industry-academic cooperation center with Kim Chan-hyung, dean of the College of Engineering at Hanyang University, on the 17th at the Hanyang University Fusion Tech Center in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] SK On has joined hands with leading domestic universities to strengthen its next-generation battery research and development capabilities.

On the 18th, SK On announced that it signed business agreements with Hanyang University and Yonsei University respectively to establish industry-academic cooperation centers.

Both universities hold numerous papers and patents related to all-solid-state batteries, and professors as well as master's and doctoral researchers in the next-generation battery field will participate in the newly established industry-academic cooperation centers.

SK On and the universities plan to jointly research next-generation battery innovation technologies based on various fundamental technology studies such as lithium protective layer material development. The goal is to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation batteries.

All-solid-state batteries are known as the "dream battery" because they are the safest and have high energy density. SK On has been strengthening its research and development capabilities through various measures with the aim of commercializing all-solid-state batteries by 2029.

Centered on the Daejeon Next-Generation Battery Research Center, SK On is independently developing solid electrolytes such as sulfide, oxide, and polymer types, as well as lithium metal anodes. In particular, it is focusing on research and development such as ▲ development of all-solid-state battery materials through design and synthesis of solid electrolytes and cathode core materials ▲ development of lithium protective layer materials to extend cell life.

Jin Gyowon, SK On Chief Operating Officer (COO) (right), is signing a business agreement for the establishment of an industry-academic cooperation center with Park Seunghan, Vice President of Research at Yonsei University, at the First Engineering Building of Yonsei University in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 17th.

Investment in overseas companies and collaboration with research teams are also active. In October last year, SK On invested 30 million dollars (about 35 billion won) in Solid Power, a leading US all-solid-state battery company. The two companies aim to develop a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery prototype by 2025 at the earliest and start full-scale mass production in 2029.

In January this year, SK On partnered with Professor Seungwoo Lee’s research team at Georgia Institute of Technology in the US to develop all-solid-state batteries. Professor Lee developed a rubber-type polymer solid electrolyte with KAIST, and their paper was published in the world-renowned journal Nature.

Additionally, SK On is conducting next-generation battery research and development with Nobel Chemistry Prize laureate John Goodenough of the University of Texas, Professor Kyungsoon Hwang of the University of Texas, Professor Sangbok Lee of the University of Maryland, and Professor Brian Sheldon of Brown University.

Furthermore, plans are being made to link the recruitment of key master's and doctoral talents who will conduct research at the university industry-academic cooperation centers. Contracts have already been established with Hanyang University, Sungkyunkwan University, and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology to open contract departments, aiming to hire up to about 200 graduates over five years starting from the first graduating class.

Jin Gyo-won, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SK On, said, "Our excellent research and development capabilities, proven through high-nickel technology, will be further strengthened through collaboration with universities," adding, "We will do our best to enhance the competitiveness of South Korea's battery industry."

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