The future of battery technology just got brighter, thanks to an inspiring partnership between industry and academia. SK On, in collaboration with Professor Kang Kisuk's research team at Seoul National University, has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in next-generation battery materials that could transform how we power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.

The team's innovative work, published in Nature Energy—one of the world's most respected scientific journals—introduces a revolutionary approach to creating single-crystal cathode materials. This achievement represents years of dedicated research and collaboration, demonstrating the incredible potential when corporate innovation meets academic excellence.

What makes this breakthrough so exciting? Traditional battery cathodes use polycrystalline materials, which can develop tiny cracks over time, potentially compromising both performance and safety. The new single-crystal structure developed by SK On and Seoul National University eliminates this vulnerability, offering a robust, continuous crystal structure that promises exceptional durability and stability.

The research team didn't just solve one problem—they tackled multiple challenges simultaneously. High-nickel cathode materials, while offering superior performance, have historically been difficult to manufacture due to issues with crystal growth and structural integrity. The innovative solution? The researchers developed an ingenious two-step process, first creating sodium-based single crystals that are easier to form, then exchanging the sodium ions with lithium ions. This clever approach preserves the strong crystal structure while delivering outstanding electrochemical performance.

Perhaps most impressively, the team succeeded in creating ultra-large particles—approximately 10 micrometers in size, roughly double the size of conventional cathode materials. These larger particles are key to achieving higher energy density, meaning batteries can store more power in the same space. The material boasts an exceptional nickel content of over 94 percent with no structural disorder, making it ideal for next-generation high-energy applications.

The real-world benefits are truly exciting. Performance testing revealed that the new single-crystal cathode exhibits remarkable stability, with gas generation reduced to just one twenty-fifth of that seen in traditional materials. The energy density reached an impressive 77 percent of the theoretical maximum, highlighting enormous potential for practical applications.

Park Kisoo, Head of SK On's Future Technology Institute, expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing how the research showcases the company's commitment to innovation and the value of academic-industry collaboration. The team isn't resting on their laurels either—they're already planning follow-up research to refine the technology further, exploring optimized combinations of different particle sizes to push energy density even higher.

This breakthrough represents more than just technical achievement; it's a testament to the power of collaboration and persistent innovation. As the world transitions toward sustainable energy solutions, advances like these bring us closer to a future with safer, longer-lasting, and more efficient batteries that can support everything from portable electronics to clean transportation.

The partnership between SK On and Seoul National University demonstrates how combining industry resources with academic research excellence can accelerate progress toward solving some of our most pressing technological challenges, creating a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.