Battery Material Development Center / Technology & Engineering Development Center

The recent rise in environmental awareness has led to the installation of large lithium secondary rechargeable batteries in vehicles such as EVs (Electric Vehicles), HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles), and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles), with a growing number of stationary applications for residential and industrial use.
At the Battery Material Development Center / Technology & Engineering Development Center, we are developing solid electrolytes with superior thermal stability and other properties compared to flammable electrolytes that have been a problem in conventional liquid lithium batteries. All-solid-state lithium secondary batteries using this solid electrolyte are expected to combine both high energy density and safety, with a long life and excellent fast-charging performance.
The Lithium Battery Material Department aims to contribute to the electrification of society through the development and commercialization of new materials for next-generation batteries, with a focus on solid electrolytes, a key material for all-solid-state lithium secondary batteries, which are expected to be used as the next generation of secondary batteries.

We are working to improve the performance of solid electrolytes and battery materials, which are key materials for all-solid-state batteries, and to develop manufacturing processes for their practical use. We continue to improve our materials by proposing and improving them to our clients.

In order to establish the world's first mass production technology for solid electrolytes, our R&D chemists, process developers, and equipment engineers are working together to promote the development of manufacturing methods. In the fall of 2021, a demonstration plant started its operation. We proceed with the development with the aim of mass production of solid electrolytes, further quality improvement and cost reduction, and establishment of an integrated production and stable supply system from raw materials.

Demand for lithium secondary batteries is expected to grow rapidly in line with the projected spread of EVs. The rapid increase in raw materials used has led to a focus on the reuse and recycling of batteries. We are developing a technology to recover lithium from used batteries to be used as a solid electrolyte in all-solid-state batteries.

In order to commercialize solid electrolytes, we are looking into the strategic acquisition of our intellectual property. Our unique technologies for the industrial production of lithium sulfide and sulfide-based solid electrolytes made from lithium sulfide have led to a number of inventions, and we are one of the world's leading patent applicants in this field. We will continue to contribute to the commercialization of our products by obtaining patent rights for the technologies we develop.