[Dreaming of Next-Generation Batteries] "POSCO Chemical Maximizes Cathode Material High-Nickel Content up to 96%"

④Nokwon Seon, Head of Energy Materials Research Institute at POSCO Chemical

Plans to produce N90 followed by N96
Increased battery capacity leads to longer driving range

Stable raw material supply worldwide
Strong manufacturing process value chain

Only anode material producer in Korea
Aiming to reduce charging time by 20 minutes

Nokwonseon, Head of Energy Materials Research Institute at POSCO Chemical. / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] "We recently completed the mass production system for ‘N90 (90% nickel content) high-nickel’ cathode materials used in high-performance electric vehicle secondary batteries. Once trial production of N96 cathode materials, which have an even higher nickel content, begins in the second half of this year, we will be approaching the final stage of high-nickel cathode material technology."

Increasing the nickel content in cathode materials, which are considered key components of electric vehicle batteries, increases the battery capacity. Nickel content is crucial for extending the driving range of electric vehicles.

To increase the nickel proportion, not only a special production method but also a competitive mass production system is required. No Gwon-seon, head of the Energy Materials Research Institute at POSCO Chemical, explained, "While materials are usually produced in a normal atmosphere, high-nickel materials must be produced in an environment where only oxygen is present," adding, "The core of the technology is thoroughly eliminating carbon dioxide and moisture."

No, who leads material research and development (R&D) at POSCO Chemical, reborn as a comprehensive secondary battery materials company, emphasized in a recent interview at the POSCO Center in Seoul that the key to material R&D is "securing technology one step ahead."

No said, "Currently, most battery mass production systems use cathode materials with nickel content in the mid-80% range, but to popularize electric vehicles and increase driving range, we developed N90 as the main product for high-nickel cathode materials," adding, "The ultimate goal of R&D is to complete technology development in advance so that when customers require specific materials, we can supply them immediately."

He also cited POSCO Chemical’s strength in completing the value chain that covers the entire secondary battery business from raw materials. He explained that this potential was highly valued when General Motors (GM) in the United States recently established the cathode material joint venture ‘Ultium CAM’ with POSCO Chemical.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He said, "At the POSCO Group level, we proactively invest in lithium, nickel, and graphite resources worldwide and secure mining rights, enabling stable raw material supply," adding, "We can also conduct strict quality control over the entire manufacturing process from raw materials to precursors and active materials, which is a secret to staying ahead of competitors."

POSCO Chemical produces not only cathode materials but is also the only domestic producer of anode materials. They are pursuing product diversification including natural graphite low-expansion anode materials, artificial graphite, and silicon anode materials.

No said, "We independently developed low-expansion anode materials for electric vehicles that increase charging speed and lifespan and supply them to GM, and artificial graphite production started domestically this year," adding, "We are developing technology to improve charging characteristics by altering the material’s microstructure to enhance charging speed." Currently, it takes about 40 minutes to reach 80% state of charge (SOC), and the goal is to reduce this to within 20 minutes.

No said that to strengthen R&D capabilities, "We have research infrastructure spanning POSCO, the Pohang Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (RIST), and the Future Technology Research Institute," adding, "The Future Technology Research Institute, RIST, and POSTECH focus on basic and advanced technology fields, POSCO researches raw materials like lithium and nickel, and POSCO Chemical studies market-driven technology and processes, collaborating closely."

As the battery industry grows, securing specialized personnel is becoming increasingly important. He said, "We have signed the ‘e-Battery Track’ agreement with POSTECH, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Hanyang University, and Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) to nurture battery talent," advising students interested in battery research, "Majoring in energy fields and gaining knowledge in electrochemistry and materials will be helpful."