Hansong Neotec Enters Next-Generation Secondary Battery Separator Business... Signs Contract for Introduction of Core Technology

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] Synerworks announced on the 17th that it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Hansong Neotek for technology transfer and joint business to manufacture and commercialize next-generation secondary battery separators.

Synerworks plans to transfer its next-generation secondary battery separator technology, know-how, and entire process to the separator subsidiary of Hansong Neotek, which will be newly established in December, to officially enter the secondary battery separator business. Additionally, Hansong Neotek aims to establish local manufacturing infrastructure in China by the first quarter of next year, targeting prototype release and sales in 2021.

The next-generation secondary battery separator technology that Hansong Neotek will secure is not based on the film structure of PP or PE materials mainly used by existing manufacturers, but rather a non-woven membrane synthesized from PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) and PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) combined with a special coating technology.

Until now, secondary battery separators have had a porous film structure made by stretching or chemically treating PP or PE, which limits ion mobility due to low porosity and low air permeability. However, the next-generation secondary battery separator that Hansong Neotek will secure through Synerworks dramatically improves porosity and air permeability, maximizing ion mobility while enhancing heat resistance and flexibility to improve battery cell stability.

Synerworks expects that the next-generation secondary battery separator technology will improve battery performance while minimizing the risk of fire and explosion.

Secondary battery separators account for about 15% of the battery cell cost and are considered one of the four core materials of batteries along with cathode materials, anode materials, and electrolytes. The secondary battery separator separates the cathode and anode to prevent electrical contact between electrodes, thereby preventing fires and other hazards.

A Synerworks official stated, “The separator market in 2023 is estimated to be a huge market worth about 7 trillion KRW. Soon, through Hansong Neotek, which we acquired, we will begin mass production of next-generation separators that are more resistant to fire and explosion and offer higher performance than existing leading companies’ separators, and enter the global market.”