POSCO FUTURE M has completed the development of cathode materials for LMR (lithium-manganese rich) batteries, known as next-generation electric vehicle batteries, and is preparing for full-scale mass production. Through innovation in the cathode material manufacturing process, it is also increasing productivity.
Recently, POSCO FUTURE M conducted a due diligence in the areas of equipment operation, safety, and environment necessary for LMR production at the request of customers and received approval. The company explained that it can supply products in a timely manner since it can establish a mass production system utilizing the existing NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) cathode production line without large-scale investments.
The LMR battery is attracting attention as a next-generation battery that can compete in price with the LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries mainly produced by Chinese battery companies while having superior performance. It is characterized by a reduced use of expensive cobalt and nickel, increasing the use of cheaper manganese instead.
POSCO FUTURE M plans to secure mass production technology for LMR cathode materials by the end of this year and pursue large-scale contracts. The company successfully achieved pilot production last year as a result of combining research capabilities with POSCO Holdings' Future Technology Research Institute, which oversees research and development (R&D) for the POSCO Group, to improve energy density, charge/discharge performance, and stability.
A representative from POSCO FUTURE M noted, "The LMR cathode material has long been recognized for its potential but has faced challenges in commercialization regarding lifespan, but there has been significant progress through R&D," adding, "We are on the verge of launching a product with low cost and high energy density in collaboration with our customers based on a firm trust relationship."
After the production of LMR cathode materials, POSCO FUTURE M plans to accelerate the development of next-generation LMR cathode materials with increased energy capacity in collaboration with POSCO Holdings' Future Technology Research Institute. In the long term, the LMR product portfolio is expected to expand from entry and standard to premium and large electric vehicle markets.
POSCO FUTURE M is also working on enhancing productivity in the production of cathode materials by introducing innovative technologies in raw material and product manufacturing processes. A typical example is utilizing high-purity anhydrous (non-water) lithium hydroxide with a purity of 99% as a raw material instead of 57% pure lithium hydroxide, which contains moisture, thus omitting the moisture removal process.
To process cathode raw materials at high temperatures, a high-density filling technique utilizing a vacuum method to reduce the air layer between raw material particles has been introduced when feeding into ceramic containers called saggers. In the previous process, feeding the raw materials in the air led to lower density of raw materials, decreased productivity, and low yield.
By introducing the high-density filling technology, POSCO FUTURE M has been able to increase the amount of raw materials that can be fed in, thereby boosting production and reducing dust generation to improve yield. This technology has already been tested in some cathode material factories last year, confirming its productivity enhancement effect, and has been expanded to the cathode production lines in Pohang and Gwangyang this year. There are plans to apply it to newly constructed lines as well.