South Korean battery and trading company SK On has recently published its latest research on all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs).
SK On’s study with Dr. Jin Ho Kim’s group at the Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology focuses on the use of ultrafast photonic sintering technology (traditionally used to manufacture printed circuit board) in the manufacturing of oxide-rich inorganic-organic composite hybrid solid electrolytes. The paper was published in ACS Energy Letters.
To enhance lithium-ion transport pathways and mechanical strength, oxide-based electrolyte materials typically require high-temperature heat treatment at over 1,000° C for more than 10 hours. However, productions costs, along with challenges such as brittle fractures have posed obstacles to scalability.
To optimize the photonic sintering process, the research team first identified inorganic colorants that minimize energy loss from light exposure and applied them to oxide electrolyte materials. By using ultrafast photonic sintering technology, the team was able to generate a porous microstructure with optimal uniformity.
The team produced a hybrid solid electrolyte by combining photonic sintering-processed oxide-based materials with a gel polymer electrolyte. Experimental results showed that batteries using this hybrid electrolyte demonstrated long cycle life.
In another study, SK On explored the potential of lithium- and manganese-rich layered oxide (LMRO) cathodes for sulfide-based ASSBs.
This research, conducted with Prof. Kyu Tae Lee’s group at Seoul National University, was featured in Advanced Energy Materials. The study was recognized for its comprehensive understanding on elucidating the degradation mechanism of LMRO cathodes, rather than just their performance.
When used with liquid electrolytes in conventional lithium-ion batteries, LMROs face challenges like gas generation, voltage decay and capacity loss. The group found that oxygen released during charge/discharge under high-temperature and high-voltage conditions oxidizes the sulfide solid electrolyte, causing degradation. To address this, the team applied a special coating material to suppress oxygen release, which enhances the cycle life.
“These achievements are the result of SK On’s proactive R&D efforts and technical capabilities,” said Kisoo Park, Head of SK On’s R&D Division. “We will remain committed to advancing R&D to drive leadership in the next-generation battery sector.”
SK On is developing polymer-oxide composite and sulfide-based ASSBs and expects to produce commercial prototypes by 2027 and 2029, respectively. The company’s solid-state battery pilot facility, currently under construction at its research center in Daejeon, Korea, is set for completion in the second half of 2025.
Source: SK On