LG Energy Solution, Using All-Solid-State Precursor Lithium Sulfur for
High-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and UAM Applications Expected
Ko Jooyoung, Vice President of Samsung SDI, is giving a presentation at NGBS 2024 held on the morning of the 25th at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jeong Donghoon
Samsung SDI is accelerating efforts to commercialize all-solid-state batteries, known as the "battery of dreams." The research team that had been developing all-solid-state batteries has been moved to the commercialization department.
On the 25th, at the 'Next Generation Battery Seminar 2024 (NGBS)' held at the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Samsung SDI Vice President Ko Jooyoung explained, "Originally, the development team was part of the research institute, but recently the research institute's development team was transferred into the commercialization team within the medium-to-large business division." He added, "From an external perspective, there may be doubts about whether it will really succeed, but we have never once doubted mass production in 2027."
Samsung SDI had previously announced at events such as InterBattery that it plans to decide on the factory scale and configuration for mass production of all-solid-state batteries by the first half of this year, targeting 2027 for mass production. Vice President Ko, who made the related announcement, said, "For all-solid-state batteries to succeed and provide consumers with a driving experience superior to internal combustion engine vehicles, a challenging 'First Penguin' is important." He explained, "I mentioned that about three customer companies are seeking Samsung SDI's samples as the first penguin, and after the InterBattery announcement, even more customers are requesting samples." The term "First Penguin" is an English idiom referring to someone who courageously takes the first step and challenges uncertain and fearful situations ahead of others.
Vice President Ko also revealed that Samsung SDI is considering developing all-solid-state batteries in a prismatic form factor. Until now, all-solid-state batteries have been made in pouch form during the pilot stage because a pressing process is required. When pressure is applied, prismatic and cylindrical types can deform. However, pouch-type batteries are vulnerable to fire, and at high temperatures around 170 to 180 degrees Celsius, the voltage of all-solid-state batteries drops. Vice President Ko said, "Customers are demanding prismatic all-solid-state batteries a lot. Pouch-type all-solid-state batteries react at 170 degrees when the pouch starts to melt, but prismatic all-solid-state batteries, which are more fire-resistant, have a higher reaction temperature and thus offer greater stability."
Samsung SDI plans mass production in 2027 but emphasized that supply chain establishment must accompany this. Mass production is only possible if material, component, and equipment companies involved in the all-solid-state battery stage participate together. Vice President Ko stated, "Building the supply chain is the most important thing. Material companies are also asking if Samsung SDI is really doing all-solid-state batteries, but we are communicating and discussing cooperation." He added, "Solid electrolyte materials are the most important material supply chain in all-solid-state batteries."
On the same day, LG Energy Solution announced that it is considering commercializing lithium-sulfur batteries, which are a precursor to all-solid-state battery development. Lithium-sulfur batteries use sulfur as the cathode material and lithium metal as the anode. Sulfur is a byproduct of petroleum refining, making it inexpensive and easy to obtain. Additionally, sulfur is lightweight, which can significantly reduce battery weight. Kim Seokgu, Executive Director of LG Energy Solution, who spoke at the event, said, "Lithium-sulfur batteries have a high energy density of 400 to 500 Wh per kilogram," and added, "A strength is that technologies applicable to all-solid-state batteries can also be utilized." He expressed expectations that they will bear fruit with customers in fields such as high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles flying in the stratosphere and urban air mobility (UAM).
The event was also attended by CATL, the world's number one battery company, which introduced trends in the Chinese electric vehicle market and its own technological status.
Ni Zheng, CATL's Head of Overseas Operations, said, "Technology is not divided by nationality, and new productivity will always replace previous productivity." He added, "As of February this year, China's electrification rate has already reached 34% without electric vehicle subsidies. The automotive market is accepting electric vehicles because of their superiority."
He also introduced several technologies developed by CATL, including one that allows driving 400 km with a 6-minute charge and another that can charge battery capacity from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes even at minus 20 degrees Celsius.
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