This file photo provided by SK Nexilis Co. on Oct. 20, 2020, shows rolls of copper foil, one of the key materials used in the lithium-ion battery for electric vehicles.
SEOUL, Jan. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — SKC Co., a chemical unit of South Korean conglomerate SK Group, is accelerating its production of next-generation silicon anode material, which can contribute to greatly improving the performance of rechargeable batteries.
After recently completing an investment in British battery materials maker Nexeon, SKC said Wednesday it will set up a new operational unit for the business by the end of this year.
SKC formed a consortium with SJL Partners, BNW Investment and Kiwoom PE to invest a combined US$$80 million in Nexeon. With this investment, it secured a stake in Nexeon and the business rights for silicon anode materials.
Under the goal of launching mass production from 2024, the consortium plans to establish a business operations unit by the end of this year. As the leading company of the consortium, SKC will take the pace-setting role in this business.
Silicon anode material is drawing significant attention as the next-generation material for the electric vehicle market since secondary batteries with a higher portion of silicon anode materials can charge faster and offer greater range.
Silicon anode material is classified into low silicon content (less than 15 percent) and high silicon content (more than 15 percent) depending on the portion of silicon in the anode material.
At present, low silicon content products are in the initial commercialization stage.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
