According to media reports, Samsung SDI is accelerating its pursuit of next-generation battery technology by establishing a new research team to consolidate its technological advantage.
On December 7, industry reports indicated that Samsung SDI underwent a regular organizational restructuring. Notably, this restructuring included the formation of a Solid-State Battery (ASB) business research team aimed at actively advancing the development of solid-state battery business. The new "ASB Business Team," led by Go Joo-young, Executive Vice President and Head of Strategic Marketing at Samsung SDI, will be overseen by the company's large and medium-sized battery business division.
Solid-state batteries are hailed as "game-changers" in the battery industry due to all their components being solid. In theory, these batteries offer higher energy density and more stable performance compared to lithium-ion batteries that use liquid or polymer gel electrolytes.
Previously, Samsung SDI announced its goal to commercialize solid-state batteries by 2027, a common objective shared by global industry participants committed to developing this technology. A representative from Samsung SDI stated, "The formation of this team represents Samsung's firm commitment to advance the commercial production of solid-state batteries before 2027."
In comparison to competitors such as LG Energy Solution and SK On, Samsung SDI has been at the forefront of solid-state battery development projects. In March of this year, the company constructed a pilot production line for solid-state batteries at its research center in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. The prototype products are planned to be manufactured by the end of this year.
Currently, the company is developing solid-state batteries that use sulfide solid electrolytes, aiming to improve ion conductivity for fast charging, with energy density exceeding 900 watt-hours per liter.
Speaking at a conference held by SNE Research in September, Go stated, "To overcome the drawbacks of existing lithium-ion batteries, solid-state battery technology is the answer. We will not lose our first-mover advantage in this field." Go also mentioned that Samsung SDI's next-generation batteries will not use lithium metal, as the formation of lithium dendrites can reduce battery energy efficiency and cycle life.
Samsung SDI's proprietary lithium metal-free anode technology has been recognized for achieving the industry's highest energy density and safety standards, and this technology has been published in the renowned scientific journal "Nature Energy."
