An SK On Co. booth at the InterBattery 2023 in Seoul on March 15, 2023. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean battery maker SK On Co. has achieved a significant milestone by collaboratively developing an advanced oxide-based solid-state electrolyte (SSE) boasting the world’s highest level of lithium-ion conductivity.
Lithium-ion conductivity directly impacts the speed of lithium-ion movement within the electrolyte, correlating to battery output and rapid charging capability.
The technology employed to uniformly control the microstructure of lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO) has also conferred remarkable atmospheric stability to the electrolyte.
Furthermore, the achievement translates to a substantial increase in battery capacity.
Specifically, while a liquid electrolyte-based lithium-ion battery (LiB) typically operates at a maximum voltage of 4.3 volts, the application of an oxide-based SSE enables voltages of up to 5.5 volts, potentially yielding a 25 percent enhancement in battery capacity, as explained by SK On.
This breakthrough considerably elevates the competitive edge of all-solid-state batteries.
Conventionally, SSEs are susceptible to moisture and carbon dioxide exposure, leading to compromised electrolyte performance over extended atmospheric exposure.
In contrast, SK On’s new solid-state electrolyte showcases outstanding stability, as attested by the company.
Unlike sulfide-based SSEs, oxide-based SSEs generally exhibit lower ionic conductivity.
However, owing to their exceptional chemical stability, they exhibit reduced reactivity with anode materials and effectively mitigate the formation of lithium dendrites, known fire initiators.
Consequently, these advancements pave the way for substituting graphite cathodes with high-capacity lithium metal.
This undated photo shows SK On Co.’s battery production facility in Korea. (Yonhap)
SK On announced this achievement on Thursday, made possible in collaboration with a research team from Dankook University.
The findings have been published as a cover article in the distinguished journal Advanced Functional Materials.
Furthermore, SK On has diligently pursued both domestic and international patent applications to safeguard this groundbreaking technology.
The joint research team revealed that by refining the additives within LLZO, an oxide-based SSE material, they managed to elevate lithium-ion conductivity by a remarkable 70 percent compared to previous levels, establishing a new global benchmark.
Beyond their immediate application in all-solid-state batteries featuring nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) cathode materials, these SSEs hold potential as key components in the next generation of batteries, including all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries and lithium-air batteries.
Furthermore, SK On envisions their integration into polymer-oxide composite all-solid-state batteries currently under development.
The integration of this technology in future battery generations would concurrently address fire safety concerns while extending the range of these advanced batteries.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
