Samsung Electro-Mechanics the World's First? ... How Far Has the 'Dream All-Solid-State Battery' Come? [AK Radio]

Growing Interest in Safe Batteries After Electric Vehicle Fires
Samsung Electro-Mechanics Promotes Commercialization of Oxide-Based All-Solid-State Batteries
Sulfide-Based All-Solid-State Batteries for EVs Must Overcome Mass Production Barriers

As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) expands, battery fires have emerged as a critical safety issue. While EVs are more environmentally friendly and have lower fuel costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, problems related to battery fires undermine trust in EVs. To address these issues, many companies and research institutes both domestically and internationally are developing new battery technologies, and governments and fire authorities are also preparing countermeasures.

Recently, fire authorities developed a new piece of equipment called the EV Drill Lance for extinguishing EV fires. This device drills a hole into the battery pack located under the EV and injects high-pressure cooling water directly to rapidly lower the battery temperature and extinguish the fire. This method is much more effective than previous approaches, which only sprayed water on the surface and often failed to suppress thermal runaway inside the battery. This new technology opens up the possibility for fire authorities to respond quickly to EV fire scenes and is expected to significantly improve the ability to handle EV fires.

"Ultimately, Developing Safe Batteries Is the Fundamental Solution"

Various technological developments are underway to fundamentally solve the fire problems of EVs. LG Chem recently developed a technology that cuts off the flow of electrons and stops further operation when the internal battery temperature rises above a certain level. This method controls the electrolyte inside the battery, preventing electrons from freely moving between the cathode and anode. Through this, the thermal runaway phenomenon occurring inside the battery can be fundamentally blocked, reducing the possibility of fire.

This technology is similar to traditional fuse systems. Just as a circuit breaker fuse would cut off electricity during a household short circuit, this method stops operation once a certain temperature is reached inside the battery. It is regarded as a technology with the potential to dramatically improve battery safety.

Solid-State Battery technology is gaining attention as a fundamental solution to battery safety issues. Solid-state batteries replace the liquid electrolyte used in conventional lithium-ion batteries with a solid electrolyte, significantly reducing the risk of fire. Because solid-state batteries do not contain liquid electrolytes, they are less vulnerable to fire and offer advantages such as greater stability and longer lifespan.

Currently, there are two main types of solid-state batteries in commercialization: oxide-based and sulfide-based solid-state batteries. Oxide-based solid-state batteries are hard and stable but can be made small, making them more likely to be used in ultra-small electronic devices. On the other hand, sulfide-based solid-state batteries are flexible and have high ionic conductivity, making them suitable for large batteries such as those used in EVs. However, sulfides are toxic substances, so there are many technical challenges in safely handling and commercializing them.

What Is Samsung Electro-Mechanics' 'World's First Ultra-Small Solid-State Battery'?

Recently, Samsung Electro-Mechanics attracted attention by announcing the development of the world's first oxide-based solid-state battery. This battery was developed as an ultra-small battery for wearable devices, not a large battery for EVs.

Despite its small size, the battery developed by Samsung Electro-Mechanics boasts high energy density. It can be applied to ultra-small devices such as wearable smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and even smart rings, promising more efficient and safer use compared to lithium-ion batteries.

Samsung Electronics Galaxy Ring. Image source=Samsung Electronics

According to Samsung Electro-Mechanics' announcement, this ultra-small solid-state battery is being provided as samples to customers for testing. The main customer is likely Samsung Electronics, and through this, Samsung Electro-Mechanics appears to plan early application of solid-state batteries in its wearable products. This represents an opportunity to lead solid-state battery technology and a key point to gain an advantage in competition with Apple.

Alongside Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Japan's TDK also announced solid-state battery development in June. TDK announced the development of an oxide-based solid-state battery similar to Samsung Electro-Mechanics', which is expected to intensify competition in the international battery market. TDK, already a supplier of small batteries to Apple, is likely to have its solid-state batteries adopted in Apple's wearable devices.

Ultra-small all-solid-state battery announced by Japan's TDK in June. Image source=TDK website.

However, Samsung Electro-Mechanics claims that although its solid-state battery is the same product as TDK's, it is ahead in commercialization and customer testing. In fact, Samsung Electronics may apply this technology to new forms of wearable products such as the Galaxy Ring after sample testing.

Solid-State Batteries for EVs: A Korea-Japan Battle

Sulfide-based solid-state batteries are expected to be mainly used for EV solid-state batteries rather than oxide-based ones. Sulfide batteries have high ionic conductivity and excellent flexibility, making them suitable for developing large batteries. However, due to the toxicity of sulfides and the complexity of the manufacturing process, commercialization is not easy. Currently, the leading companies in this field are Samsung SDI and Japan's Toyota, both preparing for commercialization of EV solid-state batteries targeting 2027.

Nevertheless, technical challenges remain. Solid-state batteries have completely different manufacturing processes from conventional lithium-ion batteries, and mass production technology using solid electrolytes has not been established. For mass production, a complex process using high heat and pressure to manufacture batteries must be developed, and implementing this cost-effectively is key.

Visitors are exploring the Samsung SDI booth at the World Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition (EVS37) held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. (April 23, 2024) [Image source=Yonhap News]

The automotive industry is showing movements to develop EV batteries directly. Not only Toyota but also Hyundai Motor Company is conducting EV battery research and securing patents to build technological capabilities. The reason automakers focus on battery research is that the battery plays the role of the core engine in EVs. Even if they do not manufacture directly, securing technology is seen as a strategy to gain an advantageous position in negotiations with battery suppliers.

These moves by automakers are similar to Apple's semiconductor design approach. Apple designs its own semiconductors but outsources manufacturing, enhancing product competitiveness. Similarly, the automotive industry is researching battery technology, a core component of EVs, to prepare to take the lead in the future market.

The Future of Solid-State Battery Commercialization

Solid-state batteries are currently receiving high expectations in the EV market. Samsung SDI and Toyota aim for commercialization by 2027, which will be a technological breakthrough that dramatically improves EV safety and provides longer driving ranges.

The commercialization of solid-state batteries is not just a technical issue but is emerging as an important matter that can bring significant changes across the industry alongside the popularization of EVs.

With technological progress and securing battery safety, it is hoped that the day will soon come when consumers can use EVs with peace of mind. This change is expected to alleviate EV phobia and become an important milestone toward a better future.

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