SK on has announced the successful development of an anode for sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries capable of operating at room temperature. This achievement, announced on October 9, results from a collaboration with Professor Kim Dong-won’s research team at Hanyang University, with the findings published in the respected journal “ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.”
Traditionally, sulfide-based lithium metal batteries require operation at elevated temperatures to facilitate uniform lithium movement. Maintaining these high temperatures necessitates additional temperature control systems, which can increase production costs and reduce energy density. Furthermore, temperatures exceeding 65 degrees Celsius may lead to material degradation and a shortened battery lifespan.
The research team addressed these challenges by incorporating silver, a lithium-friendly material, into the anode current collector, thus enabling functionality at room temperature. According to the team, this innovation marks a significant step forward in battery technology.
Additionally, the research team developed a technique to prevent short-circuiting in cells caused by dendrite formation, which are crystalline structures that can develop on the anode’s surface. They introduced a method allowing the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer to form concurrently with the lithium-silver alloying process. This SEI layer acts as a protective film during the initial charging of the battery.
“This method not only suppresses dendrite growth but also improves process efficiency by reducing costs and time,” the research team stated. Unlike traditional approaches, which treat the anode protective layer and alloying process separately, this technique integrates electrochemical processing into a single step.
SK on is also exploring ways to minimize silver content to reduce costs and enhance the SEI layer for prolonged battery life. In June, the company announced the development of a polymer electrolyte for lithium metal batteries that also operates at room temperature.
To gain a competitive advantage in next-generation battery technology, SK on is pursuing the development of two types of all-solid-state batteries: polymer-oxide composites and sulfide-based batteries. The company plans to complete the construction of a pilot line for sulfide-based solid-state batteries in the second half of next year, with an aim to launch commercial prototypes by 2029.
