SK Nexilis, an investment company in SKC's battery copper foil business, announced on October 20 that it has successfully developed a 'high-adhesion carbon coated copper foil' technology, a key material for next-generation batteries.
The newly developed technology features a special carbon coating on the surface of the copper foil, enhancing adhesion with anode materials. This helps suppress the 'delamination phenomenon' that can occur as silicon anode materials expand, thereby improving the structural stability of the electrodes and contributing to enhanced battery lifespan and safety.
This technology was developed in response to the recent trend in the battery industry to increase the silicon content in anode materials to boost energy density. Strengthening the adhesion between the anode materials and copper foil becomes increasingly important as silicon content rises.
The developed copper foil can also be applied to the dry electrode process, a manufacturing method that is gaining attention for its potential to reduce battery production costs and energy consumption.
To prepare for mass production, SK Nexilis is establishing a pilot production system for the high-adhesion carbon coated copper foil. Currently, the company is verifying process stability and plans to secure technology for mass production, aiming for commercialization in the second half of 2027.
An SK Nexilis official stated, "The development of this high-adhesion carbon coated copper foil is a response to the technological changes in the next-generation battery market, including the expansion of high-silicon anode materials and the introduction of dry electrode processes. We will proceed with optimization for commercialization without delay while continuously enhancing our competitiveness in the next-generation battery material market through ongoing technological development."
Meanwhile, SK Nexilis developed three types of current collectors for solid-state batteries, including nickel foil, nickel-plated foil, and nickel alloy foil, in February of last year. These products are designed to reduce corrosion issues that may arise within solid-state batteries. SK Nexilis is also advancing the development of current collectors for lithium-metal batteries, expanding its product lineup for next-generation battery materials.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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