In the modern society, we are facing an upsurge in power demand and various environmental challenges, positioning secondary batteries as a crucial technology to address these issues. Particularly, the role of secondary batteries is becoming increasingly significant in applications such as electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronic devices. In this presentation, we will delve deeply into the current technological status and future prospects of secondary batteries, as well as the development and potential of secondary battery materials. In discussing the current technological status and future prospects of secondary batteries, we will analyze the achievements and limitations of commercially available lithium-ion battery technology. Specifically, we will examine the technical challenges faced by lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density, charging speed, cycle life, and safety, and introduce the latest research trends aimed at overcoming these challenges. Also, we will cover the development and prospects of secondary battery materials, emphasizing the critical importance of materials in determining battery performance. We'll analyze the latest research trends and advancements in materials such as cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separators, and explain how the development of new materials is contributing to performance enhancements in batteries.

As the global demand for lithium-ion batteries skyrockets, battery thermal runaway incidents, specifically in electric vehicles (“EVs”), have emerged as a severe safety concern. Most of the failures, which occur in the form of fire and explosions, are due to the growth of branchlike metal fibers known as dendrites. Detecting and controlling dendrite growth has long eluded battery manufacturers. 24M has developed a new battery component, Impervio™, for the battery system, with in-situ monitoring and depletion features to address these critical dendrite growth issues. Impervio™ is a coated battery separator that offers high sensitivity to dendrite events with an early detection function. Additionally, Impervio™ functionalized separators can consume dendrites and keep dendrites from penetrating through the entire separator, preventing internal shorts. The Impervio technology can also make use of lower priced, thermally stable non-woven materials viable for use in batteries that may reduce costs while enhancing safety. The technology at the core of Impervio™ distinguishes itself from competitors as a one-of-a-kind product in the market. No other company produces a comparable separator, positioning 24M as pioneers in this innovative space.

We are in a critical time for lithium-ion battery safety. We are seeing increasing events due to abuse, battery aging, overcharging and other factors. As we are all aware, sixteen miles away in Incheon we saw one EV cause damage to over 600 vehicles in an underground garage. The fire resulted in a loss of power and water for the complex, which lasted about a week. Residents were displaced, and when they returned many had eye and skin issues from the toxic emissions released during the event. Lithium-ion batteries have an unbeatable combination of maximum energy storage, and low cost. They are used in every sector. We tend to look for the next answer, that will be safer and move us away from the current dangers. We are years away from a new battery or batteries that will replace lithium-ion, so we must focus on their safety as we transition to “safer” batteries. No ‘’energy storage medium” (a battery) is without risks and hazards. They will be different, and the risks will be compounded

The digital transformation journey for battery R&D and manufacturing innovation aims to establish a data management foundation through 'Product/Production/Performance' digital twins.
This foundation will be connected to business processes via the Digital Thread, achieving management improvement effects and fostering a culture of digital transformation within the company.
In light of recent battery fire issues that have significantly impacted the EV market, innovative approaches in preventive battery design, manufacturing, and operations are urgently needed.
Additionally, a company-wide response is necessary in preparation for the implementation of the battery passport in 2027. In this session, I will present the methodology of digital transformation to achieve the three key objectives of 'operational efficiency, battery fire prevention, and battery passport compliance.'

Battery recycling is a critical step in the circular economy, but profitability remains a challenge for many recyclers. This session will delve into the key factors that impact profitability in battery recycling, exploring strategies to enhance margins through different business models and identifying opportunities for improvement.

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) represent a promising advancement in energy storage technology, offering higher energy density, enhanced safety, and improved cycle life compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Recent developments focus on solid electrolytes, such as sulfide, oxide, and polymer-based materials, which aim to facilitate ionic conductivity and mitigate dendrite formation. Research has highlighted the potential of sulfide electrolytes due to their high ionic conductivity and compatibility with lithium metal anodes. However, challenges remain, including the optimization of interfaces between the solid electrolyte and electrodes, scalability for mass production, and the overall cost of materials. Current industry efforts are accelerating, with several companies and research institutions investing in the commercialization of ASSB technology. Major automotive manufacturers and battery producers are actively exploring ASSBs for electric vehicle applications, driven by the need for safer and more efficient energy solutions. Pilot projects and collaborations are underway to overcome technical barriers and refine manufacturing processes. The commercial viability of ASSBs is anticipated to improve significantly in the next decade, supported by ongoing research and development. As the demand for high-performance batteries increases, ASSBs could play a pivotal role in the transition to sustainable energy systems. However, achieving widespread adoption will depend on resolving key technical challenges and ensuring cost-effective production methods. In this study, current R&D status and development strategies of ASSBs are presented with the view of commercializing prospect.