Promotion of All-Solid-State Technology Development Since 2017
Focus on Material Synthesis Development and Securing Mass Production Processes
Main Clients Include Samsung SDI and LG Chem
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyungsoo] As Samsung Group Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun join hands to foster the electric vehicle industry, CIS's technological capabilities are drawing attention. CIS is conducting research and development for the development and mass production of materials related to all-solid-state batteries.
According to industry sources on the 14th, CIS, a developer of electrode plate manufacturing equipment for secondary batteries, is developing sulfide-based solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity, a core component of all-solid-state batteries, while also developing synthesis process technology considering mass production. Since 2017, it has been developing solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries to enter the next-generation battery materials field. The company is focusing on material synthesis development and securing mass production processes.
CIS's major customers include Samsung SDI and LG Chem. Electrode process equipment requires technological expertise due to the determination of variables in battery design. It accounts for 36-39% of the electrode process in medium to large battery manufacturing facilities.
As a new business, CIS is developing materials related to all-solid-state batteries to secure technological competitiveness in the secondary battery market. In 2018, it succeeded in synthesizing a small amount of sulfide-based solid electrolyte. It has steadily been pushing forward with plans to complete large-area process technology by next year.
Earlier, on the 13th, Hyundai Motor Group and Samsung executives visited Samsung SDI's Cheonan plant to exchange opinions on the development status and direction of all-solid-state batteries, the next-generation batteries for electric vehicles. Samsung Electronics recently announced innovative all-solid-state battery technology with a single-charge driving range of 800 km.
Electric vehicles are an industry fostered by the government under the 'Korean New Deal.' President Moon Jae-in stated in his special speech on the third anniversary of his inauguration that he would further strengthen the development of three new growth industries: system semiconductors, bio-health, and future cars. The all-solid-state battery, which appears to be a key issue in the meeting between Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Executive Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun, is a next-generation battery known as the 'dream battery.'
All-solid-state batteries refer to replacing the liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium secondary batteries with a solid electrolyte. Conventional lithium secondary batteries use flammable organic liquid electrolytes, which pose risks of fire or explosion due to thermal runaway caused by overcharging or short circuits.
All-solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes, eliminating the risk of explosion or fire and simplifying the manufacturing process. They are gaining attention as next-generation secondary batteries due to their potential for higher energy density. Solid electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries are broadly classified into oxide-based, polymer-based, and sulfide-based types. In particular, sulfide-based electrolytes have high ionic conductivity and stability against temperature changes. They also have stable characteristics with lithium metal, making them the most advanced in mass production.
CIS plans to commercialize high-quality solid electrolyte materials through demand companies by developing and optimizing processes for mass production of solid electrolytes.
On January 29, CIS announced that it had obtained a patent for a manufacturing method of sulfide-based solid electrolytes with reduced impurity content. Utilizing this patent, the company plans to produce sulfide-based solid electrolyte materials with high ionic conductivity and significantly lower impurity content compared to existing technologies for solid electrolyte material production.
Researcher Lee Sang-hyun of Meritz Securities analyzed, "All-solid-state batteries are game changers that surpass existing batteries in safety, energy density, and charging speed reduction," adding, "CIS has registered a patent for the manufacturing method of sulfide-based solid electrolytes and is developing technology for mass production."
CIS's stock price has been rising for two consecutive days. It rose nearly 9% the previous day and is up more than 2% today.
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