Kim Taekyung of SK On: "Longer and Faster... Boosting Next-Generation Solid-State Battery Competitiveness"

Keynote Speech at Battery Insight Conference on July 2
Announcement of SK On's Next-Generation Battery Development Status and More

"SK On is setting new standards in battery technology?longer, faster, and safer?through its proprietary technological capabilities."

On the morning of July 2, Kim Taekyung, Head of the Next-Generation Battery Division at SK On, made this statement while introducing SK On's next-generation battery technology at the "Battery Insight Conference 2025" held at Osco in Cheongju, Chungbuk. SK On is pursuing diversification of its product portfolio by innovating technological designs in areas such as battery form factor, cooling, and cell-to-pack (CTP) technology.

On the 2nd, Kim Taekyung, Head of Next-Generation Battery Division at SK On, introduced SK On's next-generation battery technology at the "Battery Insight Conference 2025" held at Osco in Cheongju, Chungbuk. Photo by Shim Sunga

At the conference, Kim explained SK On's technological leadership in three categories: longer, faster, and safer.

Kim stated, "We are developing composite-based solid-state batteries that leverage the synergy of polymer electrolytes and oxides," and added, "We are also developing sulfide-based solid-state batteries, and in the second half of this year, we plan to complete a pilot line at the Daejeon Battery Research Institute and begin trial operations."

Kim noted, "We expect high safety in sulfide-based batteries," but also pointed out, "To use them in electric vehicles, we must overcome high resistance." He continued, "Stacking technology, which involves layering the cathode, anode, and separator, is crucial. SK On has become the first in the world to commercialize the 45-degree tilting stacking process, which is approximately 2.3 times faster than horizontal stacking."

Regarding energy density, Kim said, "SK On has completed cell development using nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) with up to 60% nickel," and "We are developing high-capacity cells that can enable driving distances of over 800 km using 94% nickel." He further explained, "When synthesizing NCM, low-temperature sintering is required, but this process can lead to a reduction in long-term cycle life. At SK On, we use special additives for surface treatment, which maintains excellent cycle life even after washing."

Additionally, Kim stated, "Recently, we have been focusing on developing mid-nickel cells that can achieve both cost reduction and safety." He explained, "To address the relatively low output of mid-nickel cells, we secure high output by reducing cell resistance through technical surface treatment and doping with specific elements."

Regarding silicon anode materials, Kim said, "We are researching methods to prevent volume expansion by either compositing with a mechanically robust matrix or creating extra space to absorb expansion." He added, "We suppress expansion using binders that bond strongly with silicon and enhance electrical connectivity with line-contact conductive agents." Kim introduced silicon oxide (SiOx) and silicon-carbon (Si/C) composites as products that have either been commercialized or are close to commercialization.

SK On has achieved world-class fast-charging performance through its proprietary material and process technologies. Kim said, "With SK On's differentiated technologies such as anode self-alignment, anode multi-layer coating, and micro-patterning, we are developing technologies to maximize the movement speed of lithium ions or minimize their travel distance."

Furthermore, SK On is developing technologies to fully utilize the rapid charging potential of cells by improving battery cooling efficiency. Kim stated, "With immersion cooling technology, we are working to cool approximately 50% of the cell surface area, enabling fast charging."

Finally, Kim presented 'diversification of the product portfolio' as SK On's future growth task. SK On is expanding materials for high-voltage mid-nickel and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, developing cost-effective and safe form factors such as cylindrical pouches and prismatic pouches, and pursuing the combined development of enhanced CTP and thermal diffusion prevention technologies.