EcoProBM is collaborating with Solbrain and Aekyung Chemical to jointly develop materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIB).
On July 22, EcoProBM announced the establishment of the 'K-Sodium Alliance' after signing a memorandum of understanding with Solbrain and Aekyung Chemical at its headquarters in Ochang, North Chungcheong Province.
Under this agreement, the three companies will co-develop key materials for sodium-ion batteries, including cathodes, electrolytes, and hard carbon anodes. EcoProBM will focus on cathode materials and mass production technology, Solbrain will handle electrolyte and additive technologies, and Aekyung Chemical will be responsible for hard carbon development and mass production technology.
The companies will share their developed products and evaluation results, allowing them to adjust the performance of the materials and pursue joint marketing efforts targeting global cell manufacturers and automakers.
Sodium-ion batteries use sodium as a raw material instead of lithium, offering lower raw material costs and advantages in low-temperature performance and lifespan, making them suitable for energy storage systems (ESS) and affordable electric vehicle batteries.
However, there have been concerns about the lack of a sufficient supply chain for cathodes, electrolytes, and anodes in South Korea, which has weakened the foundation for commercialization.
EcoProBM has been developing cathodes for sodium-ion batteries for the past four years and has established a pilot production line with an annual capacity of 1,000 tons.
Instead of supplying individual materials separately, the three companies plan to offer a packaged material solution that combines cathodes, electrolytes, and hard carbon. This approach aims to reduce the burden on cell manufacturers and automakers to validate the performance of each material combination.
EcoProBM will oversee the entire project based on its existing pilot line and cathode technology.
Choi Kyung-se, head of Solbrain's central research institute, stated, "Domestic battery material companies have established a cooperative system to secure sodium-ion battery technology. We will participate in the creation of a domestic SIB ecosystem and technology development."
Kim Jun-hyung, head of Aekyung Chemical's central research institute, said, "We will connect the material technologies among the three companies based on our experience in developing hard carbon anodes."
Jung Hyun-soo, head of future technology at EcoProBM, noted, "The domestic supply chain for sodium-ion battery materials has not been sufficiently established, which has limited commercialization. We will promote technology development and commercialization through private cooperation."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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