[Special Stock] KGAI Develops 'Game-Changer' Technology for Aqueous Cathode Material Process... Shares Surge

KGA is showing strong performance. This appears to be influenced by the news that the company has succeeded in developing two core technologies that enable the introduction of aqueous processes for cathode active materials.

As of 9:57 a.m. on July 3, KGAI was trading at 5,650 won, up 620 won (12.33%) from the previous trading day.

On this day, KGAI announced that it had succeeded in developing two core technologies that enable the introduction of aqueous processes for LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cathode active materials.

The two new technologies developed by KGA this time consist of a manufacturing technology for active material coating materials and an application technology for aqueous cathode processes utilizing these materials. These two technologies are essential for introducing aqueous processes to existing LFP cathode materials and were jointly developed with the secondary battery specialist company Shemeca.

During electrode manufacturing, a binder is used to ensure adhesion and cohesion of the cathode and anode active materials, and depending on the solvent, electrodes are classified as either organic (non-aqueous) or aqueous. Generally, aqueous binders are applied to anode active materials, while organic binders are used for cathode active materials.

NMP, a representative solvent for cathode materials, has been identified as a major cause of increased battery costs and reduced environmental friendliness, not only due to its high price but also its significant environmental hazards. In the secondary battery industry, there have been various attempts to apply aqueous processes to cathode materials as well, but commercialization has been limited due to issues such as performance degradation, shortened lifespan, and deterioration of high-rate charge and discharge characteristics.

KGA has successfully applied its self-developed active material coating material to existing LFP cathode materials using a special coating method, achieving performance equivalent to that of conventional organic processes even with the aqueous process. Actual test results showed that electrodes manufactured using the aqueous process demonstrated stable results without any performance degradation in all categories, including initial capacity, cycle life, and high-rate charge/discharge characteristics.

Kim Oktae, CEO of KGA, stated, "This achievement is an innovative secondary battery material technology that satisfies all three elements of high performance, low cost, and eco-friendliness. Combined with our equipment technology, it will serve as a foundation for providing integrated material-equipment solutions," adding, "We will further solidify our position as a technology-leading company in the next-generation secondary battery market."