Lotte Energy Materials Corporation has announced it has completed the development process for the production of next-generation nickel-plated copper foil for use in high-density, all solid-state batteries (ASSB) used in electric vehicles (EVs).
South Korea’s leading copper foil manufacturer confirmed it has developed the technology to efficiently produce nickel-plated copper foil, which it considers to be the next-generation material for high-density sulphur-based batteries. The foil has nickel plating on both sides, which the company says provides excellent electrical conductivity and strong resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal electrode current collector for sulphide-based ASSBs.
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Lotte said it can tailor the nickel-plated foil to suite customer requirements by adjusting the nickel thickness and copper foil strength, to better suite the individual battery application. The company pointed out that its nickel surface treatment enhances adhesion to active materials while maintaining its original properties and functions – without suffering corrosion or discoloration due to chemical reactions.
While normal copper foil can be used for existing lithium-ion batteries, sulphide-based ASSBs require corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, nickel foil or nickel-plated foil due to copper foil corrosion caused by sulphur. But stainless steel and nickel foils are seen as too expensive, making nickel-plated foil a promising material for sulphide-based solid electrolyte batteries.
Lotte claims that the number of companies capable of manufacturing nickel-plated foil is very limited and that it has secured a competitive advantage by optimizing the nickel-plated foil process thanks to its early collaboration with domestic battery companies.
Lotte said it is currently conducting sample evaluations of nickel-plated foil tailored to the processes and form factors of major domestic customers. Additionally, the company is conducting various nickel surface treatment studies to secure adhesion to active materials and plans to communicate the results with the market separately once it reaches the order stage.
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By GlobalDataMeanwhile, Lotte has also begun assessing the business feasibility for composite materials for use in EV batteries following inquiries from major domestic and international customers. Recently, the company held technical meetings with leading composite copper foil companies in China and elsewhere to analyse customer requirements and market conditions.
Composite Copper Foil is manufactured by depositing and plating copper on both sides with polymer films such as PET and PP. This method reduces copper usage compared with traditional copper foil, providing cost competitiveness and weight reduction.
