NEWS

▲Researchers holding samples of metallic lithium anode and solid-state batteries 

(from the left, Professor Young Soo Yoon, IL Science Chief Technical Officer SungHo Oh, and Dr. Jaehwan Ko)

Professor Young Soo Yoon's group (Energy Materials Lab) in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering has transferred anode technology for all-solid-state batteries to IL Science Co., Ltd., a KOSDAQ-listed company. The technology transfer contract was confirmed with an initial payment of KRW 300 million and a running royalty of 3% of sales. Additionally, for ongoing research and development in this field, IL Science has decided to award an additional research grant of 150 million won to Professor Youngsoo Yoon's research group. Through this agreement, it has been decided to transfer the university's core technology patents, including the manufacturing method for all-solid-state thin-film batteries, the manufacturing method for anodes, and the patents for anodes manufactured using the same, to IL Science.

While the secondary batteries used to date have relied heavily on production technology and scale, the technology being transferred this time has not yet been implemented even by large corporations. If commercialized by IL Science in the future, it is expected to have a significant impact on the secondary battery market. All-solid-state batteries in the battery industry have a higher energy density compared to existing lithium-ion batteries that use liquid electrolytes. Additionally, there is no risk of explosion or fire. Therefore, the space within the battery can be efficiently utilized without the need for additional safety devices. This has the advantage of increasing battery capacity by allowing for the addition of more active materials. According to its design, it is referred to as a "dream battery" that is specifically optimized for the development of future electric vehicle battery systems. These systems are designed in the form of modules and packs, which demand high capacity.

Professor Youngsoo Yoon said, "The lithium (Li)-based anode, which will be extensively developed in the future, offers both technical and economic advantages. It can be applied to both current batteries and future solid-state batteries. Unlike powder-based anodes, it allows for the implementation of flexible batteries." "Because of its simplicity, this technology can be easily expanded and applied to a wide range of future industrial sectors, including robotics, urban air mobility (UAM), and wearable devices."

Gachon University selected for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) project to develop oxide-based multilayer solid-state batteries (MLCBs) for substrate mounting. 

Gachon University Selected for Korean Government Project to Develop Oxide-Based Multilayer Solid-State Batteries.

Gachon University in South Korea has been selected for a project led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) to develop oxide-based multilayer solid-state batteries (MLCBs) for substrate mounting.

The project, which will run for four years with government funding of 24.4 billion won (US$20.7 million), will focus on developing the technology to commercialize MLCBs, which are considered to be a next-generation secondary battery.

The second sub-project of the project, “Development of Oxide Solid-State Battery Anode Materials/Electrodes,” will be led by a consortium consisting of Gachon University, Daeju Techno Materials, World Tube, Glotek, and the Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology. The consortium will develop anode electrodes to improve the charge-discharge performance and overcome interface resistance of MLCBs. The goal is to achieve mass production by securing technology for nano-silicon composite anode materials and solid electrolyte coating processes. The consortium will receive a total of 510 million won (US$425,000) for four years for the development of MLCB anode electrode materials and coating processes.

The third sub-project will be led by a consortium consisting of Kosmos Energy Materials, the Korea Automotive Research Institute, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Kwangwoon University, and Gachon University. The consortium will focus on developing key materials for ultra-small MLCB batteries that can be applied to small IoT devices. The goal is to develop commercial technology by securing high-capacity, high-voltage cathode active materials and thin-film collectors. The consortium will receive a total of 760 million won (US$630,000) for four years for the development of key materials and collectors for ultra-small MLCB batteries.

The development of MLCBs based on oxide solid electrolytes is expected to give Korea a technological edge in the next-generation secondary battery market for wearable devices. This is because MLCBs are considered to be a key technology for ultra-safe batteries, which require the development of high-capacity cathode materials and collector technologies.

Lead researcher Professor Yoon Young-soo of Gachon University said, “This project is significant in that it will develop key materials and interface technologies for commercialization as a leading player in the next-generation battery market.” He added, “We will contribute to improving national competitiveness by securing core technology for high-stability and high-efficiency solid-state batteries.”

Lead researcher Professor Park Kwang-jin of Gachon University said, “Oxide-based ultra-small multilayer solid-state batteries are considered to be one of the promising next-generation secondary batteries based on their high safety.” He added, “We will lead the way to achieve global carbon neutrality by developing key technologies and human resources for the production of ultra-small multilayer solid-state batteries.”