November 5, 2021
Others
Demonstration facility begins operation for commercial production of solid electrolytes for next-generation batteries
Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Shunichi Kito; hereinafter, "Idemitsu") has constructed a demonstration facility for commercial production of solid electrolytes for all-solid lithium-ion battery *1, which are promising next-generation batteries, at Chiba Complex, one of the company's main Complex, and has now begun operation. all-solid lithium-ion battery are expected to be put into practical use soon for EVs and other applications, and the need for solid electrolytes which are a key material for these batteries, has been increasing in recent years. We will use this equipment to demonstrate the mass production process for solid electrolytes, aiming for early commercialization.
Exterior view of the demonstration facility for commercial production
In recent years, countries around the world have set strict environmental regulations and goals for realizing a carbon-free society, leading to a rapid expansion of the market for EVs, stationary batteries, etc. Among these, the practical development of all-solid lithium-ion battery is progressing as the next-generation battery that holds the key to the spread of EVs, as it contributes to extending driving range, shortening charging time, improving safety, etc., and it is expected that the range of applications will expand to various uses other than EVs.
In this context, we are developing solid electrolytes which are the key material for all-solid lithium-ion battery. We have established a method for manufacturing high-purity lithium sulfide that we have cultivated in the petrochemical business, and we also hold numerous patents for sulfide-based solid electrolytes that use lithium sulfide as a raw material. In order to put the technologies we have accumulated to practical use and to aim for an integrated production system from raw materials and a stable supply system, we have constructed and started operation of a demonstration facility for the commercial production of solid electrolytes. In the future, we will work to demonstrate the mass production process for solid electrolytes and further improve their performance, promoting early commercialization.
In addition, in the review of Medium-term Management Plan announced in May 2021, the company has set its Vision for 2030 as "Your Reliable Partner for a Brighter Future" and has set out the "CNX *2 Center Concept" to transform existing manufacturing bases such as Refineries/Complexes into new low-carbon, Resources recycling energy hubs. The company aims to build a model CNX Center by 2030, and will also consider the effective use of Refineries/Complexes as manufacturing bases for solid electrolytes.
*1 all-solid lithium-ion battery: A type of lithium-ion battery in which a solid electrolyte is responsible for the conduction of ions between the positive and negative electrodes.
*2 CNX: Carbon Neutral Transformation
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Idemitsu Kosan Co.,Ltd. Public Relations Department, Public Relations Division