Posco, SKC join forces to develop lithium-metal anodes

SKC CEO Park Won-cheol, left, poses with Yoo Byung-ok, vice president of Posco Holdings after signing an agreement on the battery materials partnership in central Seoul on May 30. [SKC]

Posco Holdings joined forces with SKC to co-develop lithium-metal anodes, a promising key material in making electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

The two Korean companies signed an agreement Tuesday to conduct joint research and development of lithium-metal anodes, which come with around 10 times more enhanced energy density than conventional graphite-based anodes.

Anodes are one of four critical components in an EV battery that determine battery life span and charging speed.

Posco Holdings has been developing lithium-metal anodes since 2017, with a goal of marketing in 2026.

Posco Holdings and SKC also promised to cooperate on sourcing raw materials for battery components using the competitiveness of their subsidiaries.

SKC owns SK Nexilis, the world's largest copper foil producer, another core ingredient in making anodes. Around 35 kilograms to 40 kilograms (77 pounds to 88 pounds) of copper foil is required to make an EV.

The company's current copper foil capacity stands at around 52,000 tons a year, holding 22 percent market share last year, according to SNE Research. It is followed by China's Wason at 19 percent.

SK Nexilis aims to boost the number to 250,000 tons by 2025. Its major customers include LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI, SK On, Panasonic and CATL.

"SKC's superior capabilities in materials and Posco's strong infrastructure will create synergy effects to gain leadership in the battery materials market," SKC CEO Park Won-cheol said.

BY SARAH CHEA [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]