Lotte Energy Materials Develops Advanced Nickel-Plated Copper Foil for Solid-State Batteries
Lotte Energy Materials, a leading South Korean manufacturer of battery materials, has announced the development of a nickel-plated copper foil specifically designed for solid-state batteries, a significant innovation in the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
The newly developed nickel-plated copper foil is a next-generation electrolytic copper foil, coated with nickel on both sides, which enhances surface corrosion resistance and conductivity. This foil functions as a current collector in sulfide solid-state batteries, a crucial component in advanced EV batteries. In lithium-ion batteries, the copper foil, also known as elecfoil, is a thin layer that surrounds the anode, or the negative end.
Lotte Energy Materials has been collaborating closely with major domestic EV battery manufacturers from the early stages of development to ensure that the nickel-plated copper foil is optimized for solid-state batteries. The company is currently testing samples of this advanced foil to assess their compatibility with various manufacturing processes and form factors.
Additionally, Lotte is exploring different nickel surface treatments to improve adhesion with active materials, further enhancing the performance of the nickel-plated copper foil.
“We aim to take the lead in the future industry by dominating the next-generation copper foil market as the first company succeeding in manufacturing copper foils in Korea,” said Lotte CEO Kim Yeon-seop.
Sulfide-based batteries typically require either stainless foils, nickel foils, or nickel-plated copper foils to prevent corrosion caused by sulfur. However, battery manufacturers are increasingly favoring nickel-plated copper foil due to its cost advantage over more expensive stainless and nickel foils.
Lotte's nickel-plated copper foil is customizable, offering various options for nickel thickness and copper foil strength to meet specific client needs. The foil's high adhesion with active materials ensures that it maintains its quality and functionality without suffering from corrosion or discoloration due to chemical reactions.
