SKC’s secondary battery material subsidiary, SK nexilis, has developed ‘V copper foil’, with high elongation for the 4680 battery, which is a next-generation cylindrical battery.
SK nexilis announced that they have passed product evaluation from the customer for ultra-high elongation copper foil with an elongation of 30% and higher. It means that it has resistance to withstand more than 30% of pulling force compared to existing standard products.
The new product is expected to be used in the 4680 battery for the first time after undergoing mass production evaluation by the customer. The 4680 battery is a cylindrical battery with a diameter of 46 ㎜and a length of 80 ㎜. The energy density and output are 5 to 6 times higher than the existing 2170 battery. Copper foil is a thin copper film that covers the anode material, which is the core material of the battery. A copper foil with high elongation is required to increase battery productivity and increase capacity.
SK nexilis developed V copper foil for 4680 batteries in response to request from global customer. 4680 batteries require copper foil with high elongation. V copper foil can increase battery production performance by increasing the elongation compared to existing products. The use of this product is expected to reduce the risk of secondary battery failure while improving productivity.
SK nexilis predicted that the demand for V copper foil with high elongation will increase rapidly. According to a market research company, the cylindrical battery market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23% until 2030. Copper foil for cylindrical batteries is also expected to grow from 430,000 tons in 2022 to 2,300,000 tons in 2030.
SK nexilis is expanding their product portfolio with a focus on batteries for EV. It was expected that it would be able to quickly respond to battery demand by securing a lineup of high-strength U copper foil and V copper foil with high elongation.
An official from SK nexilis said, “SK nexilis has established a system for mass production of V copper foil with high elongation through constant R&D. In addition to the existing copper foil technology, we will supply the world’s highest quality copper foil and contribute to the development of the Korean secondary battery industry.”
By Staff Reporter Ji-woong Kim (jw0316@etnews.com)