Advanced Polymer Electrolyte for Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries

SK On in Korea has achieved a significant milestone in battery technology by co-developing a polymer electrolyte for solid-state lithium metal batteries that can operate at room temperature. This breakthrough development is set to revolutionize the energy storage industry.

The SIPE (single-ion conducting polymer electrolyte) created by SK On has the remarkable ability to increase ionic conductivity by tenfold, enabling these batteries to operate efficiently at room temperature. This advancement not only ensures high-speed charging performance but also enhances fire safety for solid-state lithium metal battery cells.

Collaborating with a research team led by the late Professor John B. Goodenough from the University of Texas, SK On's polymer electrolyte is poised to significantly improve solid-state battery performance and accelerate the development of all-solid-state batteries.

SK On is also actively working on developing two other types of all-solid-state batteries: polymer-oxide composites and sulfide-based batteries. The company aims to produce pilot prototypes for these technologies in the coming years, with commercial prototypes expected to be available by 2028 and 2029.

The sulfide-based next-generation battery pilot plant, currently under construction at SK On's Battery Research Institute in Daejeon, South Korea, is on track to be completed in the second half of the following year, marking a crucial step forward in the company's battery innovation journey.