LG Energy Solution Secures Next-Generation Lithium Metal Battery Technology

US Venture Capital Investment
Focus on Anode Protection Layer Technology

LG Energy Solution secures next-generation battery technology, lithium metal battery, through equity investment in a U.S. battery development venture company.

LG Energy Solution announced on the 25th that it has made an equity investment in Sion Power, based in Arizona, USA, and will proceed with technological cooperation. The specific shareholding ratio and investment amount were not disclosed according to the agreement between the two companies.

On the 10th, LG Energy Solution headquarters on Yeouidaero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Sion Power, established in 1994, is a battery technology development venture company recognized as a leader in the lithium metal battery field. It holds over 470 international patents, including key patents related to the anode protection layer, which is essential for lithium metal batteries.

Lithium metal batteries use metal component anodes instead of graphite anodes used in conventional lithium-ion batteries, offering the advantage of higher energy density per unit, thereby reducing weight and volume. LG Energy Solution expects to secure a technological edge in lithium metal batteries through this investment.

In particular, the anode protection layer technology can solve the representative challenge in lithium metal battery development known as the 'dendrite phenomenon' (the accumulation of branch-like crystals on the anode surface). Sion Power explains that its lithium metal batteries have the same size and weight as conventional lithium-ion batteries but can store more than 1.5 times the energy.

This investment is being made through LGTV (LG Technology Ventures), a corporate venture capital (CVC) company to which LG Energy Solution has committed capital, and the private equity firm Brick Capital Management (BCM).

LG Energy Solution, together with a joint research team from KAIST, has developed the world's first 'borate-pyran based liquid electrolyte' that can dramatically improve the performance of lithium metal batteries. The company is accelerating the development of next-generation batteries including lithium metal batteries, all-solid-state batteries, and lithium-sulfur batteries.

An LG Energy Solution official said, "This is a strategic investment to firmly establish leadership in next-generation battery technology," adding, "We will create new value and competitiveness through continuous investment in new technologies and new businesses to provide the best customer value."

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