SK on has successfully developed an anode for all-solid-state batteries that can operate at room temperature.
According to industry sources on Oct. 9, SK on, in collaboration with Prof. Kim Dong-won’s research team at Hanyang University, has successfully developed a new anode for sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries that can operate at room temperature. The research findings were recently published in the prestigious international journal in the field of materials and interfaces, “ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.”
Sulfide-based lithium metal batteries typically operate at temperatures higher than room temperature to ensure uniform lithium movement. Operating the battery at high temperatures requires the installation of temperature maintenance modules, which increases costs and lowers energy density. Additionally, if the operating temperature exceeds 65 degrees Celsius, the battery’s lifespan may be shortened due to the potential degradation of materials.
The research team overcame these drawbacks by incorporating a lithium-friendly material, silver, into the anode current collector, enabling room temperature operation.
The research team also succeeded in developing a technology to prevent cell short-circuiting caused by dendrite formation, which are tree-like crystalline structures that form on the battery anode surface. They developed a method in which the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer forms simultaneously during the lithium-silver alloying process. The SEI layer is a thin film that forms on the surface of the battery anode during the initial charge and acts as a protective layer for the electrode.
The research team explained that this method not only suppresses dendrite growth but also improves process efficiency by reducing costs and time. Typically, the anode protective layer treatment and alloying process are handled separately, but this method allows for electrochemical processing in a single step.
SK on is currently researching ways to reduce silver content to cut costs and enhance the SEI layer to extend battery life. Previously, in June, SK on announced the development of a polymer electrolyte for lithium metal batteries that can operate at room temperature.
To secure a competitive edge in next-generation battery technology, SK on is developing two types of all-solid-state batteries: polymer-oxide composites and sulfide-based batteries. SK on plans to complete the construction of a pilot line for sulfide-based solid-state batteries in the second half of next year and launch commercial prototypes by 2029.
