POSCO Future M, a battery materials supplier, and Factorial Inc., a developer of solid-state battery technology, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on all-solid-state battery materials.
The MOU was signed at the Future Battery Forum in Berlin by POSCO Future M Head of Technology Research Laboratory Hong Young-Jun and Factorial CEO Siyu Huang, along with representatives from both companies.
Under the MOU, the companies will evaluate opportunities for joint development of materials for all-solid-state batteries, which are being investigated for applications in electric vehicles (EVs), robotics, and energy storage systems.
All-solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of liquid between the cathode and anode, and are expected to offer improvements in safety, energy density, and charging performance compared to conventional lithium-ion systems.
Factorial’s decision to enter the MOU followed internal testing of POSCO Future M’s cathode material samples for all-solid-state battery use, where the materials demonstrated suitable rate capability for continued evaluation.
POSCO Future M continues R&D on cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries and silicon anode materials. Within the POSCO Group, additional work is underway on lithium metal anodes and sulfide-based solid electrolytes.
Hong Young-Jun noted that the collaboration provides a basis for technical alignment between the companies’ respective material and cell development programs. Factorial CEO Siyu Huang commented that the effort will help assess pathways for material innovation, supply-chain robustness, and cost scaling for solid-state battery technologies.
Factorial, headquartered in Massachusetts, operates a pilot manufacturing site in Cheonan, Chungnam, South Korea.
POSCO Future M is also developing a product portfolio of cathode and anode materials intended for a range of electric vehicle performance requirements. The company continues R&D efforts on next-generation materials in coordination with POSCO Holdings’ N.EX.T Hub and other group research programs.
The MOU is non-binding except for standard provisions. Any commercial relationship would be defined in subsequent binding agreements.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News