As competition intensifies over battery performance, the importance of anode materials, which impact overall performance such as battery capacity, output, and lifespan, is coming into the spotlight. SAMSUNG SDI is applying various anode materials, among which its proprietary materials FSG (Finely Scaly Graphite) and SCN (Si-Carbon Nanocomposite) are attracting attention. Both materials have been recognized for their technological differentiation based on patents, and SAMSUNG SDI is mass-producing high-performance batteries that incorporate them.

FSG: Hybrid Graphite Uniting the Benefits of Natural and Synthetic Graphite

SAMSUNG SDI has developed FSG, a material that improves the performance of natural graphite, with the goal of achieving high energy density. Since 2020, FSG has been actively applied as an anode material. 

FSG is a hybrid graphite that combines the advantages of natural and synthetic graphite*, securing high energy density, long lifespan, and fast charging capability. To achieve this, a process was applied that refines the particle size of natural graphite and precisely adjusts its internal structure.

* Graphite used in anodes is generally classified into natural graphite and synthetic graphite. Natural graphite offers higher lithium-ion storage capacity, superior processability, and better performance in low-temperature environments. Synthetic graphite, on the other hand, has advantages in terms of lifespan and fast charging capability.

In particular, ‘pore control technology within the particles’ and ‘particle structure design’ have been applied to enhance lifespan and fast charging performance. Since the penetration of electrolyte into the internal pores of graphite can negatively affect lifespan, carbon coating technology was applied to both the inner and outer surfaces of the particles to suppress side reactions, thereby improving lifespan. In addition, the particle structure was designed to enable the rapid movement of lithium ions, ensuring fast charging capability.

[Comparison of lithium-ion entry and exit directions between natural graphite and FSG]

SAMSUNG SDI has developed and is applying second-generation FSG to address the challenge of reducing charging time, which is considered a key factor for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. The company is also accelerating the development of third-generation materials with further enhanced fast charging performance.

SCN: Si-Carbon Nanocomposite Combining Silicon’s High Capacity with Enhanced Safety and Fast-Charging Performance

SCN developed by SAMSUNG SDI is a material that combines silicon with carbon to achieve high capacity. Although silicon provides nearly ten times the lithium storage capacity of graphite, its expansion rate presents a significant challenge. SAMSUNG SDI effectively addressed this issue by nano-sizing the silicon to a scale thousands of times smaller than the thickness of a human hair and forming a composite, thereby securing both high capacity and safety. By combining this material with graphite, the company has further enhanced energy density.

SCN also offers superior fast-charging capability. By applying silicon, which offers high capacity per unit weight, the anode becomes thinner, thereby shortening the lithium-ion transport path. In addition, coating the nano-sized particles helps lower interfacial resistance*. 

* Interfacial resistance is generated at the space where different materials come into contact.

[Lithium-ion stored in SCN]

SCN has continuously improved its capacity through increased silicon content and enhanced internal design with each generation. While the second-generation SCN prioritized high power output with a silicon content of around 40%, the fourth-generation SCN currently under development has increased the silicon content to 60% to further enhance energy density.

SAMSUNG SDI is producing high-energy-density and fast-charging products by applying SCN anodes to its prismatic P6 batteries and cylindrical 46-phi batteries. 

The company will continue its efforts to develop high-performance anode materials in the future.