[Dreaming of Next-Generation Batteries] Samsung SDI "All-Solid-State Battery Frontline... Commercialization by 2027"

③ Interview with Choi Ik-gyu, Vice President and Head of Materials Development Team at Samsung SDI

Improving Efficiency with Proprietary Technology
Establishing Minimal Pilot Production Line

Leading High Energy Density Field Determining Driving Range

S-Line at Suwon Research Center
Expecting Industry's Best Performance

[Editor's Note] The global competition for next-generation electric vehicle battery technology is fierce. From components including the four major materials to battery manufacturing and recycling, a massive ecosystem innovation is envisioned. Accordingly, Asia Economy aims to explore the current status of 'K-Battery' and glimpse future growth opportunities by meeting domestic battery experts through a year-round project.

In the first installment, we focus on all-solid-state batteries, which have recently garnered the hottest attention in the battery industry. Three domestic battery companies plan to commercialize all-solid-state batteries within 3 to 4 years that can dramatically increase energy density. Since all-solid-state batteries do not use highly flammable electrolytes, the risk of explosion is reduced, and the use of high energy density cathode and anode materials is possible, which is expected to significantly extend electric vehicle driving range.

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Hyungil and Moon Chaeseok] "Samsung SDI is improving ion conductivity with solid electrolytes and has developed a proprietary anode-free structure to address efficiency and lifespan degradation issues occurring in all-solid-state batteries. We have also secured sufficient manufacturing technology to apply these new technologies to mass production," said a representative.

Among the three domestic battery companies, Samsung SDI, which is building the first pilot production line for all-solid-state batteries, is regarded as the closest to mass production of all-solid-state batteries.

Choi Ik-gyu, Vice President and Head of the Materials Development Team at Samsung SDI Research Institute, said, "We are accelerating research and development to commercialize all-solid-state batteries starting in 2027."

Last year, Samsung SDI launched the ‘Gen5’ NCA (Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum) lithium-ion battery with a nickel content of over 88%, dramatically increasing driving range to 600 km. Additionally, development of cathode materials with over 91% nickel content has been completed and is in the stage of application to batteries.

For anode materials, Samsung SDI has independently developed silicon-based technology and is currently mass-producing it. This material is a composite where silicon is nano-sized and mixed with graphite to form a single substance, resolving the swelling side effects, a known issue with conventional silicon materials in battery components.

Choi stated about these two technologies, "They are aimed at revolutionary improvements in the energy density of lithium-ion batteries," adding, "We lead the industry in the high energy density battery sector that determines electric vehicle driving range."

He also explained that Samsung SDI possesses differentiated technological capabilities in developing sulfide-based solid electrolytes, considered a core technology for all-solid-state batteries. "We have succeeded not only in designing and synthesizing the core solid electrolyte material but also in solving lifespan degradation issues caused by using lithium as the anode through Samsung’s proprietary anode-free technology utilizing nanomaterials," he said.

The anode-free technology, developed in cooperation with Samsung Electronics’ Advanced Institute of Technology, was published in the world-renowned academic journal Nature Energy. Currently, prototype cells are being produced and performance evaluations are underway.

Choi emphasized, "Since all-solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid electrolytes in conventional lithium-ion batteries, the key is to enable smooth lithium-ion movement between the cathode, solid electrolyte, and anode. To achieve this, development of solid electrolytes with high ion conductivity and cell structures and manufacturing methods that reduce resistance at each interface are necessary."

He identified the development of cell structures that prevent lifespan degradation caused by dendrites?tree-like crystals that form abnormally on metal surfaces?when applying lithium anodes as a critical task. Dendrites can reduce battery safety and lifespan. Samsung SDI is focusing on solving this problem with its anode-free structure.

On the 17th, visitors attending 'InterBattery 2022' held at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, are examining batteries for electric scooters at the Samsung SDI booth. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Samsung SDI’s research institute, located in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, is currently constructing the ‘S Line,’ a pilot line for all-solid-state batteries. It is expected to be the first domestic company capable of mass-producing all-solid-state batteries. The S Line, to be built on approximately 6,500 square meters (about 2,000 pyeong), aims to instantly secure industry-leading research achievements and production technologies for all-solid-state batteries.

Choi pointed out that safety is as important as battery performance. He said, "We fully satisfy the safety requirements demanded by customers in the automotive and energy storage system (ESS) sectors by applying safety enhancement technologies not only in high-nickel NCA with improved structural stability and high heat-resistant separator materials but also in modules and packs."