2025.03.25
A look at Team Idemitsu's development and mass production of "solid electrolytes" - A key material that determines the performance of EV batteries, "all-solid lithium battery"
- Resources conservation and Resources
Decision made to build a manufacturing facility for lithium sulfide, essential for solid electrolytes, a key material in all-solid lithium battery
Idemitsu Kosan announced in February 2025 that it will build a lithium sulfide manufacturing facility on the premises of Chiba Complex.
Most people may not be familiar with the term "lithium sulfide." Lithium sulfide is an intermediate raw material for "solid electrolytes," which are expected to be a material for next-generation EV batteries, and is made from a by-product of the petroleum refining process.
Research and development into lithium sulfide began in the 1990s. The technological baton has been passed down, and the day is fast approaching when it will be put to practical use as a solid solid electrolytes, a key material in all-solid lithium battery, which have been called the dream battery.
"Japan leads the world in EV battery material [solid electrolytes]" published on PIVOT
What are the characteristics of "solid electrolytes"? Why is Idemitsu Kosan developing and mass-producing them? What kind of future does their practical application hold? Mishina, the manager of Lithium Battery Material Department, and Nakata, the development leader, explain the features in a light-hearted exchange with brain scientist Kenichiro Mogi.
PIVOT&SCIENCE "Japan leads the world in EV battery material [solid electrolytes]"
Another story of the challenge to develop and mass-produce a "solid electrolytes" that does not exist in the world
"solid electrolytes" is a material that has not yet been used in the world. All of the obstacles that Idemitsu Kosan's engineers face in the development are world firsts, and no one has the solutions. Development and mass production must proceed in parallel, and the difficulties are immeasurable. That is why they continue to take on the challenge by thinking things through themselves and repeating trial and error.
Research and development of "lithium sulfide" began about 30 years ago. Please take a look at the efforts of the team, who are determined to bring a "solid electrolytes" to the world using Idemitsu's unique Japanese technological capabilities, and pay tribute to their predecessors who have been involved in this research.
return