Positive and negative active materials that generate electricity

A basic cell is the lowest unit that constitutes a battery consisting of a cathode, an anode, electrolyte and a separator. POSCO’s positive and negative active materials are used for this application.The positive active material is used for the cathode of a battery, and the most important element of the material is lithium. POSCO ESM has been offering PG-NCM, the most stable positive active material in the world, since 2017.

The negative active material stores lithium from the positive active material and then discharges it to generate electricity. Graphite is the most extensively used negative active material thanks to its ability to ensure a stable structure throughout repeated charging and discharging. As of 2018, POSCO Chemtech is the only producer of negative active material in Korea.

* PG-NCM: POSCO Gradient-Ni-Co-M, a highly stable positive active material

This innovative material can ensure good battery capacity and stability by gradually changing the chemical elements from the core to the surface.

Stainless steel that can prevent battery ignition and explosion

A battery module contains a bundle of cells in a frame to protect them from external impact, heat or vibration. It is another common application for POSCO’s stainless steel. With a high melting point, the stainless steel used for module cases can prevent the potential of the battery’s explosion. It is also highly resistant to corrosion, defying rust.

Comparison of aluminum and stainless steel

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GIGA steel makes it light and safe

POSCO high-strength steel and GIGA steel are applied to various modules equipped with various control and protection systems. ‘GIGA steel’ is the steel sheet capable of withstanding more than 100kg per its area of 1mm² without rupture. The load corresponds to 10t exerted on a cross section of penny size. GIGA steel is applied for protecting the battery cell during the car accident. Also, the mileage of the electric car is able to be enhanced by reducing the battery pack weight, through applying GIGA steel.

Favorable battery pack condition

• Heat radiation characteristic should be excellent, for emitting the heat towards outside.
• Battery pack case should be durable, so that the cell module is protected during the car accident.
• Battery pack should be able to be used for a long period while driving, without deformation or deterioration.

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How Does a Lithium Battery Work

A battery consists of a cathode, anode, electrolyte and separator. First of all, the cathode and the anode are where the electrons are, and the electrolyte is a media through which electrons move. The separator isolates the cathode from the anode. When the battery is connected to a power source, electrons start to move from the anode to the cathode. This process is called charging. When the two poles are connected for power use, the electrons start to move back from the cathode to the anode. This process is called discharging.