South Korean battery maker, SK On, released information on research it conducted on a new cathode material it is developing for solid state batteries. The LMRO, lithium manganese rich layered oxide, cathode material which has a specific energy density in rivalling that of high nickel cathode materials. SK On is researching its potential use in solid state batteries.
A new cathode material
Within a cell the specific energy capacity of the underlying materials is key, as this is a key factor in determining a final battery’s overall pack energy density. LMRO cathode material has a specific energy capacity ranging from approximately 256 mAh/g to a maximum of 280 mAh/g. This falls above LFP cell materials that have specific energy capacities up to 170 mAh/g, and matches high nickel materials that range up to 260 mAh/g.

The LMRO cathode material has the potential to provide a more cost-effective battery while delivering energy density performance comparable to NCM batteries. This is largely due to its manganese-based composition, which is significantly cheaper than nickel and cobalt.
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Challenges remain with the underlying materials
The LMRO cathode material has certain limitations including voltage decay, severe capacity fading, and gas generation. These provide challenges when developing its use in conventional lithium-ion cells. However, SK On is focusing on integrating this material into its solid-state batteries. Rho Motion battery analyst Varnika Agarwal commented, “SK On’s decision to focus its research on solid-state batteries, may be to decrease the price of solid-state batteries. Initially, solid-state batteries will come at a price premium. The LMRO cathode offers an alternative material to NCM cathodes, while matching capacity performance with the potential to bring down overall costs.”
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SK On’s future SSB
SK On is developing two different types of solid-state batteries, a polymer-oxide composite and sulphide-based production. This news come just a year after SK On and Solid Power deepened their existing partnerships for the development of solid-state batteries.
SK On plans to release commercial prototypes by 2027 and 2029, respectively. The company’s pilot production facility for solid-state batteries, currently under construction, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
Although LMRO is still in its early stages of development and unlikely to enter commercial production in the near future, its emergence underscores the continuously evolving nature of the battery industry.
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