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SKC headquarters building. / SKC

SK Nexilis, SKC's secondary battery materials investment arm, has developed next-generation copper foil technology capable of reducing electrode delamination caused by the volumetric expansion of silicon anode materials. The company is setting its sights on the next-generation battery materials market, as the technology can be applied not only to high-content silicon anodes that enhance battery energy density, but also to dry electrode processes that lower manufacturing costs.

According to SK Nexilis on the 20th, the newly developed "high-adhesion carbon-coated copper foil" features a specialized carbon coating applied to the copper foil surface to increase adhesion with the anode active material. By suppressing delamination—where the silicon anode material detaches from the copper foil as it expands during charging and discharging cycles—the technology can contribute to improving battery lifespan and safety.

Recently, the battery industry has increasingly raised the proportion of silicon added to conventional graphite anodes to boost energy density. However, higher silicon content leads to severe volumetric expansion during charging, making it challenging to maintain the structural stability of the electrode. SK Nexilis addressed this hurdle by reinforcing the bonding strength between the copper foil current collector and the anode material.

The new technology can also be applied to dry electrode manufacturing processes. While dry processes reduce costs and energy consumption by minimizing solvent use during electrode manufacturing, reliably securing adhesion between electrode materials and the copper foil is critical. SK Nexilis expects the technology to satisfy the requirements of both areas simultaneously.

SK Nexilis is currently verifying process stability and has initiated the construction of a pilot production system. The company plans to secure mass-production technology going forward, targeting commercialization in the second half of 2027.

An SK Nexilis official said, "This development is an achievement aimed at responding to technological shifts across the next-generation battery market, such as the expansion of high-content silicon anodes and the adoption of dry electrode processes," adding, "We will proceed with optimization work for commercialization and strengthen our competitiveness through continuous technological development."

                                                                                                           Lee Seo-yeon