Cell

Battery Cell Materials

The performance, safety, and cost competitiveness of lithium-ion batteries are determined by cell materials.

As a global leader in cell materials—including cathode materials, separators, CNT, and binders—LG Chem provides a Total Cell Battery Material Solution that encompasses performance, safety, and sustainability.

Core Materials of a Lithium-ion Battery

Overview

Cathode materials are critical components that define a battery’s performance, safety, and cost competitiveness.

Leveraging accumulated experience and strong R&D capabilities, LG Chem supplies high-performance, high-quality cathode materials to diverse markets including electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and small appliances. With a broad portfolio spanning high-nickel, high-voltage mid-nickel, LFP (lithium iron phosphate), and LMR (lithium manganese-rich) materials, we deliver solutions optimized to meet each customer’s specific requirements.

Why LG Chem’s Cathode Materials?

Structure and Function of Cathode Materials

Cathode materials are key components applied to the cathode (positive electrode) of a battery. In lithium‑ion batteries, they store and release lithium ions during charge and discharge cycles. Typically composed of lithium metal oxides, cathode materials play a critical role in determining energy density, power capability, cycle life, and safety performance of a battery.

Radially Aligned structure

A radially aligned structure refers to cathode material architecture in which primary particles are oriented from the center outward toward the surface.

By applying LG Chem’s proprietary patented technology, mobility of lithium ions is enhanced, lowering surface resistance and reducing crack formation during charge and discharge. This ultimately improves cycle life of a battery.

New Precursor Process; LG’s Precursor Free (LGPF)

In conventional cathode material manufacturing, precursors are essential raw materials used in the production process. LG Chem has developed a new precursor processing technology, known as LGPF (LG’s Precursor Free), which utilizes uniquely engineered materials and eliminates the need for conventional precursors. This proprietary technology has already been implemented in mass production.

LG Chem supplies high-nickel cathode materials for the flagship EV models by major global automakers. To address the mass adoption of EVs and the expansion of emerging markets such as ESS and humanoids, we have built a diversified cathode materials portfolio spanning high-voltage mid-nickel, LFP, and LMR materials.

High-capacity high-Ni cathode materials

High-Ni

Customer Value

• Extends driving range and operating time by maximizing energy density
• Premium cathode materials with more than 95% nickel content

High-nickel cathode materials refer to those containing more than 80% nickel, enabling higher energy capacity and longer operating time. To secure safety while further increasing energy density, the adoption of single-crystal structure is steadily expanding.

LG Chem supplies high-performance, high-quality high-nickel cathode materials for flagship EV models by major automakers in North America and Europe. In 2023, we became the first in Korea’s cathode materials industry to begin mass production of high-nickel single-crystal cathode materials. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our portfolio to include ultra-high-nickel products with over 95% nickel content, further strengthening our leadership in the high-nickel market.

High-voltage mid-Ni cathode materials

Mid-Ni

Customer Value

• Improved safety and quality through enhanced structural stability
• Higher performance enabled by the new precursor processing technology and medium-particle engineering

High-voltage mid-nickel cathode materials reduce nickel content to the 60–80% range to enhance safety, while a high-voltage design compensates for the lower energy capacity typical associated with conventional mid-nickel materials.

Building on expertise accumulated through high-nickel development and AX-driven single-crystal technology, LG Chem produces high-voltage mid-nickel cathode materials that deliver strong power capability and structural stability. In addition, we are developing next-generation high-voltage mid-nickel products with further enhanced performance by applying our LG’ precursor-free processing technology and advanced medium-particle engineering.

LFP cathode materials

LFP

Customer Value

• Innovative precursor-free LFP processing technology
• Higher energy capacity enabled by high-density LFP

LFP cathode materials typically use iron phosphate as a raw material, offering strong cost competitiveness compared with nickel- and cobalt-based materials, along with excellent thermal stability. As a result, they are widely adopted in entry-level and mid-range electric vehicles as well as energy storage systems. However, relatively lower energy density remains an area for continued improvement.

LG Chem produces LFP cathode materials using its proprietary precursor-free technology, reducing reliance on China‑sourced raw materials. We advance high‑density technologies to further enhance energy density. In addition, we are strengthening cost competitiveness to ensure a stable and reliable supply of LFP cathode materials to our customers.

LMR cathode materials

LMR

Customer Value

• Excellent safety and energy density
• Targeting the world’s first mass production

LMR cathode materials feature an elevated manganese content—an element more cost-competitive than nickel or cobalt—resulting in a next-generation material that is more affordable while delivering higher energy density than LFP. However, advanced technological capabilities are required to address challenges such as performance degradation and gas generation over extended use.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What role do cathode materials play in a battery?

Cathode materials store and release lithium ions during charge and discharge cycles, enabling energy transfer. They are critical components that determine a battery’s energy density, cycle life, power capability, and safety.

2. What differentiates LG Chem’s technology?

LG Chem holds foundational patents for radially aligned structures, a key architectural feature that enhances cathode material’s performance. We also applied new precursor processing technology to strengthen the performance and quality of single-crystal cathode materials.

3. What cathode material products does LG Chem offer?

Our portfolio includes high-nickel, high-voltage mid-nickel, LFP, and LMR materials. This broad range allows us to support applications spanning high-performance EVs, affordable EVs, consumer electronics, ESS, and next-generation humanoids.

LG Chem’s Cathode Materials can extend beyond EV into a wide range of mobility sectors.

Beyond EV

UAM

High-power, high-safety battery cell implementation

ESS

High-durability, high-stability batteries for long-duration operation

Micromobility

Solutions for small electric two-wheelers and micro-mobility

Humanoid / Robot

High‑energy battery performance for extended operating time

Battery Core Material for Maximized Safety

Overview

A separator is a thin film that prevents the cathode and anode from coming into direct contact in a lithium-ion battery. It plays a critical role in preventing electrical short circuits and reducing the risk of fire and explosion. At the same time, its porous structure provides pathways for lithium ions to move freely, directly impacting charge and discharge performance.

LG Chem offers separators that deliver both safety and performance across various applications, including EVs and ESS, based on advanced coating solutions.

Where Separator is Used?

• • Small Batteries and Electric Vehicle Batteries
• • Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

SRS(Safety Reinforced Separator)

Customer Value

Enhanced battery safety

Features

Ceramic particle coating

LG Chem coats the surface of the separator with ceramic particles to improve the safety of the battery. And the adhesive force between the electrode and the separator is realized through the non-phase separation type of polymer.

This is called the Safety Reinforced Separator(SRS) and LG Chem has been producing the world's most competitive separator since 2006.

UV Cross-linking of the Separator

Customer Value

High-temperature stability (prevents breakage at 230 °C)

Features

UV irradiation-based cross-linking for improved thermal durability

Batteries generate high heat when the cathode and anode come into direct contact with each other, and the separator is vulnerable to heat.

In order to reduce fire accidents by increasing the thermal durability of separators, LG Chem is applying UV crosslinking technology. After coating the separator surface with a coating solution dissolved in a solvent with a photoinitiator, a cross-linking reaction occurs when irradiated with UV.

This allows us to create separators that don't fracture even at high heat. These UV cross-linked separators prevent the fracture of the separators and prevent shorts between the cathode and the anode even at temperatures higher than 70° compared to conventional separators.

Lower Gas Emitting Fillers

Customer Value

Reduced gas generation, lower electrolyte consumption, extended battery life

Features

Moisture reaction suppression using Ba-based inorganic particles

LG Chem is developing to extend the life of batteries. Lithium salts(LiPF6) are present in the electrolyte, which is one of the materials that make up the battery, and it reacts with the water (H2O) in the battery and generates gases such as carbon dioxide(CO2).

As this reaction progresses, the electrolyte is consumed and the battery life is reduced, so LG Chem adds an inorganic particle called barium titanate to decompose the water (H2O) in the battery into -OH and -H structures on the surface of the barium titanate to inhibit the reaction. This allows us to increase the life of the battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are LG Chem’s separators important?

Separators are a critical material that directly reduces the risk of fire and explosion in batteries. LG Chem strengthens safety and performance through technologies such as ceramic coating, UV cross-linking, and long-life design.

2. What are the advantages of UV cross-linked separators?

They do not break even at temperatures over 70 °C and can prevent short circuits under extreme conditions exceeding 230 °C.

3. How do long-life separators extend battery life?

Ba-based inorganic particles react with moisture to reduce gas generation and suppress electrolyte consumption, increasing charge/discharge cycles and enabling long-life performance for ESS and EV batteries.

LG Chem’s Separators can extend beyond EV into a wide range of mobility sectors.

Beyond EV

UAM

Enhanced safety for lightweight batteries

Aerospace

Stable ESS operation in high-temperature environments

Micromobility

Safety and durability for small batteries

Mass Transportation

High durability support for electric buses and rail batteries

A Dream Material, Surpassing the Features of Existing Materials

Overview

CNT is an essential material for EV batteries, and plays a key role in improving the capacity, lifespan, and charging speed of the EVs. LG Chem mass-produces Bundled type CNTs based on cobalt (Co) catalysts in the world's largest single reactor, providing CNTs with excellent electric conductivity and stable quality.

Why LG Chem’s CNT?

Supply Stability

• • Largest MWCNT production capacity in Korea
• • 2,900MT/ y production capacity(‘25)

Quality Stability

• • The world’s largest single-line reactor with annual production capacity of up to 600 tons per reactor
• • Low deviation & fluctuation of quality

Excellent Conductivity

• • Well-aligned bundle-typed CNTs with excellent dispersion
• • Long residual length after dispersion, forming an excellent electrical network

Convenience in Use

• • Reduce dust generation with compressed-type product
• • Easy storage and work environment management

BT2001M

BET: 380±20 m²/g

Bulk Density: 85±25 kg/m³

Purity: >96%

BT1001M

BET: 250±20 m²/g

Bulk Density: 110±25 kg/m³

Purity: >95%

BT1003M

BET: 185±20 m²/g

Bulk Density: 120±25 kg/m³

Purity: >95%

BT3001M

BET: 270±40 m²/g

Bulk Density: >80 kg/m³

Purity: >95%

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do CNTs do in batteries?

As conductive additives in cathodes, CNTs enhance electronic conductivity—improving charging speed, energy density, and cycle life.

2. What are LG Chem CNT strengths?

Stable supply from the world’s largest single reactor and uniform properties for customized quality—plus Tablet/Granule forms for safer, easier handling.

3. What forms are available?

Powder, Tablet, and Granule—selectable to match production environments and requirements.

LG Chem’s CNT can extend beyond EV into a wide range of mobility sectors.

Beyond EV

UAM

Application of conductive additives for high-power batteries

Aerospace

Lightweight, high-energy-density additives for power systems

Micromobility

Improved charging speed and extended lifespan for small batteries

Mass Transportation

Enhanced output stability for electric bus and rail batteries

Key adhesive material that enhances battery performance and durability

Overview

Anode binder is one of the key elements that plays a role in mechanically stabilizing the anode active material and increasing battery efficiency.

LG Chem's anode binder is a water-based latex adhesive that uses butadiene, styrene, and acrylate as its main raw material, stably binding electrode materials to provide excellent battery performance and durability.

Why LG Chem’s Anode Binder?

Higher Energy Density

• • Optimized particle design maximizes bonding area and minimizes migration
• • Strong adhesion with less binder → higher energy density

Fast-Charging Capability

• • SA-blend improves electrolyte wetting and Li-ion mobility
• • Lower electrode resistance enables high power and fast charging

Operational Stability

• • Functional monomers/surfactants keep slurry dispersion stable
• • Ensures electrochemical stability over long operation

Supply Assurance & Customization

• • 23,000 t/year capacity for stable supply
• • Customized binders tuned to each electrode formulation

Anode Binder Portfolio

Anode Binder

Binder for Silicon Anode

• Suppress volume expansion during charge and discharge
• Next-generation anode binder designed for high power and ultra-fast charging

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the role of anode binders in batteries?

Anode binders securely fix active materials and conductive agents to the current collector, maintaining the mechanical strength of the electrode and preventing structural collapse during charge and discharge cycles.

2. What makes LG Chem’s anode binders unique?

Our binders are based on waterborne latex and combine optimized particle design with SA Blend technology to enhance both energy density and fast-charging performance. We are also developing new binders compatible with silicon anodes.

3. Which batteries can they be applied to?

They are suitable for large EV batteries, ESS, and a wide range of lithium-ion batteries for mobile devices, laptops, and power tools.

LG Chem’s Anode Binder can extend beyond EV into a wide range of mobility sectors.

Beyond EV

UAM

Reinforcing anode stability for high-power, high-safety batteries

Aerospace

Improving charge/discharge durability for aircraft auxiliary power systems

Micromobility

Ensuring fast-charging stability for small batteries

Mass Transportation

Supporting long-life performance for electric bus and rail batteries