Posco Future M is joining Kumho Petrochemical and BEI to co-develop anodeless lithium metal batteries. The three companies signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday at Posco Center in Seoul and agreed to combine their materials and cell manufacturing technologies to improve the completeness of next-generation battery technology.

Anodeless lithium metal batteries are high-performance batteries that remove the anode material inside the battery and use the space to raise energy density by 30 to 50 percent compared with existing lithium-ion batteries. They also charge at least twice as fast as existing batteries because lithium ions from the cathode material attach directly to the metal surface of the current collector during charging.

They can use existing production facilities, reducing the investment burden, and can also lower manufacturing costs by cutting process steps. They are viewed as suitable for new markets such as aerial mobility, including drones, high-performance electric vehicles and robotics because they are lightweight.

Posco Future M will be responsible for developing cathode material technology suited to anodeless lithium metal batteries under the cooperation. Kumho Petrochemical will use high-function carbon nanotubes to improve charging speed and lifespan, and BEI will provide the cell manufacturing base and know-how to implement them as actual batteries.

The cooperation is part of Posco Group's strategy to strengthen competitiveness in next-generation battery materials and technology. The three companies also plan to consider joint commercialisation targeting new markets such as drones and robotics based on the results of the joint development.

Hong Young-joon (홍영준), head of research at Posco Future M, said it was a meaningful occasion for three companies leading the industry with technology to pledge cooperation in developing next-generation battery technology. He said they would pool their research and development capabilities to produce the result of a next-generation battery that would change the market landscape.