POSCO Future M (003670.KS), Kumho Petrochemical (011780.KS), and BEI announced Wednesday that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the joint development of anode-free lithium metal battery technology.
The three companies held a signing ceremony at POSCO Center in Seoul and agreed to pool their respective capabilities to develop high-performance next-generation batteries. The partnership is part of the POSCO Group's broader strategy to strengthen competitiveness in next-generation battery materials and technology.
The anode-free lithium metal battery the three companies are developing is lightweight, making it well-suited for targeting emerging markets including drones, air mobility, high-performance electric vehicles, and robotics. By eliminating the anode material and utilizing that space, the next-generation battery achieves 30–50% higher energy density. During charging, lithium ions from the cathode attach directly to the metal surface of the current collector without passing through an anode, enabling charging speeds more than twice as fast as conventional lithium-ion batteries. The technology can also leverage existing production facilities, reducing investment burden and lowering manufacturing costs by cutting process steps.
In this technology partnership, POSCO Future M plays a central role in achieving breakthrough battery performance based on its cathode material technology optimized for anode-free lithium metal batteries. Kumho Petrochemical dramatically improves charging speed and battery lifespan by using high-functionality carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as materials that facilitate electron transfer within the battery. BEI possesses the manufacturing base and know-how to turn these material technologies into finished batteries.
The three companies plan to explore joint commercialization targeting emerging markets such as drones and robotics based on the outcomes of their joint development. They also aim to secure leadership in the global high-performance battery market by leveraging their combined industrial ecosystem competitiveness spanning next-generation battery materials and cell technology.
"This is a meaningful occasion where three companies that lead the industry through technology pledge cooperation on next-generation battery development," said Hong Young-jun, head of POSCO Future M's research center. "We will consolidate our research and development capabilities to deliver next-generation batteries that can reshape the market."
