SK On Holds Future Technology Institute Symposium to Share Next-Generation Battery Research Achievements

Research Team Wins Grand Prize for Improving LFP Cathode Manufacturing Process
More Than 300 Research Projects Submitted Across Six Battery Fields
Sharing Research Achievements and Strengthening Technological Competitiveness

SK On said on October 18 that it had held the 2nd Future Technology Institute Symposium to share research achievements in next-generation battery technologies.

A view of SK On's Future Technology Institute in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon. SK On

The event was held for two days starting October 14 at SK On's Future Technology Institute in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon. Attendees included SK On President Lee Yongwook and Future Technology Institute Director Park Gisu. Under the theme "The Future We Create," the symposium featured more than 300 research projects across six fields: battery processes, cells, systems, materials, next-generation technologies, and platforms, about 15% more than last year.

This year's grand prize went to a research team that developed a process to replace expensive carbon nanotube (CNT) paste used in manufacturing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cathodes with powder. CNTs are a material used as a conductive additive to facilitate the movement of electrons within battery electrodes.

The team was recognized for uniformly dispersing CNT powder in cathode materials to achieve performance on par with existing processes while improving cost competitiveness. SK On plans to review the technology's application in actual production processes.

Research on the design of electrodes for large-area pouch-type lithium-metal batteries received the top excellence award, while research on developing a model to predict capacity degradation and internal resistance based on battery charging, discharging, and storage conditions received an excellence award.

The event also featured a technology exhibition showcasing key research projects. In his keynote address, Yonsei University Professor Lee Yongmin introduced the current state and outlook of digital twin technology, which recreates actual battery designs in a virtual space to analyze their performance and condition.

SK On plans to make the symposium a regular event to promote knowledge exchange and research collaboration among its employees and strengthen its competitiveness in next-generation battery technologies.

SK On President Lee Yongwook said, "The second Future Technology Institute Symposium, held following last year's event, is an important forum where our employees' challenges and research achievements translate into SK On's technological competitiveness. We will further foster a research-focused culture and continue pursuing technological innovation to lead the next-generation battery market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.