South Korea POSCO Future M aims to mass produce silicon anodes by 2028

· UPI

May 20 (Asia Today) -- South Korean battery materials company POSCO Future M said Wednesday it has secured technology for mass production of silicon anode materials, with plans to commercialize the product by 2028 as demand grows for high-performance electric vehicle batteries.

The company said its silicon anode material can store more than four times the energy of conventional graphite-based anodes commonly used in lithium-ion batteries.

Silicon anodes are considered a key next-generation battery material because they can significantly improve energy density and charging speed. The technology is expected to see broader adoption in premium electric vehicles, robotics, humanoid systems and urban air mobility platforms.

POSCO Future M said battery tests using silicon anodes blended at more than 20% maintained over 80% of initial battery capacity after 1,000 charge-discharge cycles. The company said that level exceeds the single-digit blend ratios commonly used in existing commercial batteries.

Related

Commercialization of silicon anodes has long faced challenges because silicon expands during charging and discharging, reducing battery stability and lifespan.

The company said its research institute reduced the expansion issue by applying proprietary silicon nano-processing and carbon composite technologies.

"Silicon anodes are a core next-generation material that will determine battery performance," said Hong Young-jun, head of the company's technology research institute. "Based on our accumulated materials technology and mass production experience, we will provide optimized solutions to customers while strengthening our competitiveness in the global market."

The company said it has secured manufacturing readiness through product testing and quality verification with major domestic and overseas clients. It plans to begin mass production around 2028 depending on market demand and industry conditions.

POSCO Future M expects demand to accelerate in the premium EV segment, where automakers are seeking both longer driving range and faster charging times. The company also sees growth opportunities in emerging sectors such as humanoid robots and urban air mobility aircraft.

The company is also collaborating with U.S.-based solid-state battery firm Factorial on both cathode and silicon anode technologies to further improve battery performance.

POSCO Future M said it plans to strengthen competitiveness through process upgrades, higher productivity and stable supply chain development as global demand for silicon anodes expands rapidly.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260520010005599