[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] Isu Group affiliate Isu Chemical has unveiled the raw material for sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries, which are attracting attention as the next-generation secondary battery, for the first time.
At the '2021 Korea Industrial Technology R&D Exhibition' held at COEX from the 17th, Isu Chemical showcased a lithium sulfide (Li2S) sample along with the sulfide solid electrolyte developed by the Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI), as well as a video demonstrating the safety testing of all-solid-state batteries.
Isu Chemical is developing lithium sulfide and sulfide-based solid electrolytes through a national project in collaboration with KETI. The lithium sulfide applies Isu Chemical's hydrogen sulfide (H2S) handling technology.
Lithium sulfide is a raw material for solid electrolytes used in next-generation electric vehicle all-solid-state batteries. The company pointed out that the currently high price of lithium sulfide is a challenge for the commercialization of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries, and expects that applying Isu Chemical's technology will enable the production of low-cost lithium sulfide compared to market prices.
Isu Chemical is the only domestic company possessing hydrogen sulfide handling technology essential for the all-solid-state battery process. Based on its technological capabilities, since last year, it has participated in the national project 'Development of Core Technologies for Next-Generation Electric Vehicle Batteries' led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, conducting research on cost reduction technologies for raw materials used in sulfide-based solid electrolytes. It is known that Hyundai Motor Company and Samsung SDI are participating as demand companies in this national project.
An official from Isu Chemical introduced, "Based on hydrogen sulfide handling technology, Isu Chemical has independently developed and is already producing specialty chemical products such as TDM (Tertiary Dodecyl Mercaptan), NOM (Normal Octyl Mercaptan), and NDM (Normal Dodecyl Mercaptan)."
He added, "Our proficiency in this technology is high," and said, "If the low-cost lithium sulfide manufacturing technology achieved through Isu Chemical's unique technology and KETI's sulfide-based solid electrolyte synthesis technology serve as the foundation, the commercialization speed of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries will accelerate."
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