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Battery Materials
POSCO FUTURE M drives the transition to green energy with world-class products and technologies.
Battery Materials
Rechargeable batteries function when lithium (Li) ions move between the cathode(+) and the anode(-). Because they can be recharged and used repeatedly, rechargeable batteries are embedded in green mobility (EVs), IT devices and various home appliances.
A rechargeable battery consists of four components: cathode, anode, electrolyte and separator. Among the four, POSCO FUTURE M supplies to the world the most essential components, cathode and anode active materials.
We are unique in Korea as a supplier of both cathode and anode active materials. Building on our R&D expertise, we will ramp up capacity, complete a raw material value chain and develop next-generation materials. Our ultimate goal is to be a top-tier supplier in the global market.
Charging an electric car
Cathode Active Materials
Made of cathode active materials (CAM), the cathode determines the capacity and average voltage of a rechargeable battery. In lithium ion batteries, CAM is where lithium is stored to serve as an energy source.
Our main product is high-nickel NCM*, a common type of CAM found in EV batteries. By adding aluminum to the mix, we have developed NCMA to offer enhanced thermal stability. *nickel, cobalt and manganese
In response to the growing EV market, we plan to expand CAM production capacity to 395,000 tons per year in 2026.
Our main product is high-nickel NCM*, a common type of CAM found in EV batteries. By adding aluminum to the mix, we have developed NCMA to offer enhanced thermal stability. *nickel, cobalt and manganese
In response to the growing EV market, we plan to expand CAM production capacity to 395,000 tons per year in 2026.
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High-nickel cathodes
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A view of the Gwangyang plant
| Product category | Characteristics | Applications | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathode Active Materials | NCM-6x |
- High-nickel cathode material comprised of nickel (60%), cobalt and manganese - Characterized by high capacity, high stability and minimum gas evolution reaction during charge and discharge |
electric cars (EV) |
| NCM-8x |
- High-nickel cathode material comprised of nickel (80%), cobalt and manganese - Characterized by high capacity, high thermal stability and low internal resistance |
mobile devices, e.g., smartphones, tablet pcs, laptops electric machines (power tool) |
|
| NCMA |
- High-nickel cathode material comprised of nickel (80%), cobalt, manganese and aluminum - Characterized by high capacity, low internal resistance and higher thermal stability than NCM-8X |
electric cars electric machines (power tool) |
|
Anode Active Materials
In a rechargeable battery, lithium ions are stored in the anode. When released from the anode, lithium ions cause electricity to flow through external circuits. The anode determines the charging speed and lifecycle of a battery.
Our anode active material (AAM) offering includes natural graphite and low-expansion types. To add next-generation products to the portfolio, we are developing artificial graphite, silicon and lithium metal-type AAM.
Even after repeated charging and discharging, our high-performance AAM sustains form and stability. By 2026, by leveraging technological expertise, we aim to expand AAM production capacity to 113,000 tons per year.
Our anode active material (AAM) offering includes natural graphite and low-expansion types. To add next-generation products to the portfolio, we are developing artificial graphite, silicon and lithium metal-type AAM.
Even after repeated charging and discharging, our high-performance AAM sustains form and stability. By 2026, by leveraging technological expertise, we aim to expand AAM production capacity to 113,000 tons per year.
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Natural graphite Anodes
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Anodes Production Lines
| Product category | Characteristics | Applications | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anode Active Materials | Natural graphite anode materials |
- Made from natural graphite - Characterized by high conductivity, high energy density and longevity |
electric cars mobile devices, e.g., smartphones, tablet pcs, laptops electric machines (power tool) energy storage systems (ESS) |
| Artificial graphite anode materials |
- Made from coke - Characterized by high energy density and longevity owing to the application of particle shape control and surface treatment techniques. |
electric cars | |
| Silicon anode materials |
- Made from silicon - Characterized by increased energy density - Business development under consideration |
electric cars | |
| Lithium metal anode materials |
- Made from lithium metal - Characterized by increased energy density - Considered a next-generation material; R&D is underway. |
electric cars all-solid-state batteries |
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Precursors
Precursor refers to an intermediary material which produces cathode active materials (CAM) when combined with lithium. Composed of multiple metals, e.g. nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), aluminum (Al), precursors determine the parameters of CAM.
Given the impact of precursor composition to CAM price and parameters, we are conducting studies to identify the optimal mix. In addition, POSCO FUTURE M will continue to increase in-house production of precursors to ensure reliable supply of battery materials
Given the impact of precursor composition to CAM price and parameters, we are conducting studies to identify the optimal mix. In addition, POSCO FUTURE M will continue to increase in-house production of precursors to ensure reliable supply of battery materials
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Precursors
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Precursor Production Lines
2026 Cathodes/Anodes Business Goals
Cathode Materials Production Target
- Korea
- China
- North America
Anode Materials Production Target
- Natural Graphite
- Artificial Graphite
- Si-C
*POSCO Silicon Solution to construct Si-Ox facilities(Y26)