MOU for development of core raw lithium sulfide
Higher ion conductivity and safety compared to the previous materials
Construction of pilot line and trial operation within the year
Plans for supplying
EcoproBM and ISU Chemical decide to cooperate to develop and commercialize lithium sulfide (Li2S), which is a core raw material for sulfide-based solid electrolytes (solid-state).
On the 27th, both companies announced that they signed an MOU to promote the development and commercialization of solid-state battery materials.
EcoproBM is a development and production of high-nickel cathode materials company. ISU Chemical is an affiliate of the ISU Group that specializes in the production and sale of petrochemical products such as LAB (linear alkylbenzene) and NP (n-paraffin). Both companies will cooperate for the development and commercialization of sulfide-based-solid-state electolyte with this agreement.
ISU Chemical is responsible for supplying and developing Li2S raw materials, and EcoProBM is responsible for completing the solid electrolyte with Li2S raw materials from ISU Chemical. They plan to supply the completed solid electrolyte to battery cell manufacturers.
Major domestic battery companies have started developing next-generation solid-state batteries to compensate for the current shortcomings of lithium-ion batteries. LG Energy Solution has announced plans to commercialize polymer-based batteries by 2026 and sulfide-based solid-state batteries by 2030. Samsung SDI also disclosed information about mass-producing sulfide-based solid-state batteries by 2027.
Solid-state batteries are categorized into polymer-based, oxide-based, and sulfide-based batteries according to the electrolyte component in the solid state between the positive and negative electrodes. The oxide-based materials are not suitable for EVs since they require fast charging to sufficiently withstand high resistance; hence they are mainly applied to small batteries. The polymer-based materials have low ionic conductivity, but have relatively high efficiency. The sulfide-based materials have high ion conductivity and safety, but have difficulties in development and production.
On the future business plan in February, Chairman of Ecopro, Dongchae Lee mentioned at a briefing, “We are in discussions with our customers to establish a stable supply chain with the goal of completing solid-state pilot line and commissioning within this year.”
CEO of EcoproBM, Moonho Choi, said, “I have high expectations with ISU chemical collaboration, which has the best competitiveness in the field of Li2S raw materials. We hope that we will be able to draw a blueprint for the future development of both companies beyond the solid-state business with this agreement as an opportunity.”
By Staff Reporter Taejun Park (gaius@etnews.com)