Solid-state battery research and development should be led by battery material companies

　　Rooted in the industrial chain with power batteries as the core, it has to look at the industry with a cold eye amidst the ups and downs of policies; predict the trend of the pattern amidst the ups and downs of capital; condense one's own views in the generous debate of experts.

　　And this industry is still developing with each passing day. In the face of overwhelming media reports, the author also has some of my own opinions, and I will share with you only in the form of comments.

　　Original: Ganfeng Lithium invested 250 million in solid-state power lithium batteries to increase capital, Ganfeng cyclically increases battery recycling

　　It is reported that Zhejiang Fengli, a subsidiary of Ganfeng Lithium Industry, has invested no more than 250 million yuan in its own funds to build the first-generation solid-state lithium battery research and development pilot production line, and carry out the promotion and market launch of the first-generation products in new energy vehicle users. The construction period is 2 years.

　　Comment: 　　 Ganfeng Lithium is not the first company to "bright sword" solid-state batteries, and it will not be the last. With the advancement of the industrialization of solid-state batteries, its huge advantages in energy density and safety will attract more companies to join in.

　　But the author personally believes that among the various companies that have entered the game, the most suitable for research and development of solid-state batteries are materials companies rather than battery companies. In fact, the core business of battery cell companies still stays in the material integration link (purchasing positive and negative electrodes, separator electrolyte); the dilemma faced by solid-state batteries is actually material problems, including a series of pain points such as the so-called solid-solid interface.

　　Therefore, it is the most scientific and most efficient to develop solid-state batteries by those who make materials.

　　Original: Why is it so difficult to industrialize a new generation of high specific energy cathode materials?

　　Industry insiders believe that the current industrialization of these new-generation cathode materials has encountered the limitations of unresolved material performance defects and slow progress in matching materials. There is still a certain distance from mature commercial applications, but it is expected in the next 2-3 years A major breakthrough may occur.

　　Comment: 　　 In fact, the industrialization of lithium battery technology has always been difficult. Lithium batteries have been researched since 1912, but they were industrialized by Sony in 1991, and the transition from digital to power took another 20 years.

　　A technical concept was proposed, and it was a long process to be thoroughly understood by the scientific research unit. There are more factors to consider from the laboratory to the industrialization, the most important of which is the cost. This is also the reason why fuel cells shine in the military industry, but they are rarely used in daily life. For the new generation of high specific energy cathode materials such as lithium nickel manganese oxide, high-voltage spinel, and lithium-rich manganese-based cathode materials, there are still many difficulties to be solved in the laboratory, but it is difficult to find a suitable electrolyte for industrialization. . The author personally believes that this type of cathode material will wait for the solid electrolyte to mature before it can be used (release the potential for high energy density).

　　Original: Cangzhou Pearl/Xingyuan Material/Numi and other 6 diaphragm PKs to see the new trend of technology application

　　As the material with the highest gross profit margin, technical barriers, and highest added value in the lithium battery material industry chain before, the lithium battery separator field has absorbed a lot of capital. As of the end of October 2017, more than 120 new production lines have been publicly invested in China, and the new production capacity exceeds 60. It is estimated that by the end of 2018, the total production capacity of lithium battery separators across the country will exceed 8 billion square meters.

　　Comment: 　　The gross profit margin, technical barriers, and added value of the diaphragm are high, but the return on investment is not high.

　　When writing, you will find that in fact, articles of a few thousand words are not difficult to write, and "short and precise" manuscripts within a thousand words are the most difficult to control. This rule is also very suitable for manufacturing. The separator is not difficult, but the separator used in lithium batteries is quite different. Lithium ion is the smallest of all metal ions, and the lithium battery diaphragm must ensure that the lithium ion is unimpeded and isolate other ions. This requires very high performance of the diaphragm, and the technical barriers are high. I won't repeat it.

　　What I want to emphasize is that (for those who are interested, please check it out) Due to the high gross profit, news about the construction of a lithium battery diaphragm production line is frequently reported in the media, but it is often difficult to see the production in a few years. Therefore, although the diaphragm is good, investment needs to be cautious.