LG Chem has announced a significant breakthrough in developing core technology for commercializing solid-state batteries by improving the uniformity of solid electrolyte particles.

This research was conducted jointly with the LG Chem Next Generation Materials Research Center and Professor Song Tae- seop's research team at Hanyang University, and is a result that greatly increases the possibility of commercializing all-solid-state batteries. The process involves spraying an electrolyte solution into fine droplets, which then form uniform spherical particles as the solvent evaporates.

The title of the paper is: Manipulating the size of solid electrolyte particles via spray-recrystallization: Toward reliable and high energy density all-solid-state batteries.

All-solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of the liquid electrolytes used in conventional lithium batteries. While safe and energy- efficient, their solid nature can lead to voids within the battery if the particle size is not uniform, which can reduce performance.

To solve this problem, the research team from LG Chem and Hanyang University applied spray - recrystallization technology to the production process of electrolyte particles.

Spray recrystallization technology sprays an electrolyte solution into fine droplets, which are then evaporated to produce uniform, spherical particles. This effectively addresses the uneven size of electrolyte particles produced using conventional methods.

The uniform electrolyte adheres more tightly to the positive electrode active material, allowing lithium ions to move more easily. Compared to batteries using conventional electrolytes, the basic capacity increases by approximately 15%, and the fast-discharge capacity increases by approximately 50%. The fast-discharge capacity of a battery is a key performance factor for its application in high-power devices.

Based on this technology, LG Chem plans to accelerate the development of solid electrolytes and accelerate the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries.

LG Chem Vice Chairman Shin Hak-cheol said, “This research is a meaningful achievement that solves the key task of commercializing all-solid-state batteries,” and “LG Chem will strengthen its competitiveness in next-generation battery technology and lead the global market.”