Korean researchers have ushered in a new era of electric vehicle (EV) battery technology by solving the long-standing dendrite problem in lithium-metal batteries.
While conventional lithium-ion batteries are limited to a maximum range of 600 km, a new battery developed in Korea can achieve a range of 800 km on a single charge, a lifespan of over 300,000 km, and a super-fast charging time of just 12 minutes.
KAIST announced on Sept. 4 that a research team from the Frontier Research Laboratory (FRL), a joint project between Professor Kim Hee Tak from the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and LG Energy Solution, has developed a “cohesion-inhibiting new liquid electrolyte” original technology that can dramatically increase the performance of lithium-metal batteries.
KAIST and LG Energy Solution have jointly successfully developed a next-generation lithium-ion battery. (from left in front row) Dr. Kwon Hyeok-jin from Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Prof. Kim Hee-tak, and Prof. Kim Seong-su from Mechanical Engineering pose for a group photo.
Lithium-metal batteries replace the graphite anode, a key component of lithium-ion batteries, with lithium metal.
However, lithium metal has a technical challenge known as dendrite, which makes it difficult to secure the battery’s lifespan and stability.
Dendrites are tree-like lithium crystals that form on the anode surface during battery charging, negatively affecting battery performance and stability.
This dendrite phenomenon becomes more severe during rapid charging and can cause an internal short-circuit, making it very difficult to implement a lithium-metal battery that can be recharged under fast-charging conditions.
The FRL joint research team has identified that the fundamental cause of dendrite formation during rapid charging of lithium metal is due to non-uniform interfacial cohesion on the surface of the lithium metal. To solve this problem, they developed a “cohesion-inhibiting new liquid electrolyte.”
The new liquid electrolyte utilizes an anion structure with a weak binding affinity to lithium ions (Li+), minimizing the non-uniformity of the lithium interface. This effectively suppresses dendrite growth even during rapid charging.
This technology overcomes the slow charging speed, which was a major limitation of existing lithium-metal batteries, while maintaining high energy density. It enables a long driving range and stable operation even with fast charging.
Kim Je-young, CTO of LG Energy Solution, said, “The four years of collaboration between LG Energy Solution and KAIST through FRL are producing meaningful results. We will continue to strengthen our industry-academia collaboration to solve technical challenges and create the best results in the field of next-generation batteries.”
KAIST Presents Future of AI Transformation and Physical AI Strategy
KAIST announced on July 31 that it had successfully held the 1st National Strategic Technology Forum at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building that day under the theme “The Future of Artificial Intelligence Transformation (AX): Physical AI.”
The bipartisan policy forum examined strategies for technology hegemony by leveraging Korea’s strengths in AI semiconductors and manufacturing.
The forum was hosted by KAIST and co-organized by Rep. Choi Hyung-du Choi, a PPP leader of the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee, and Rep. Kim Han-Kyu of the Democratic Party, a member of the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee. It marks the beginning of a five-part forum series, scheduled to take place monthly throughout the rest of the year, except for October.
The overarching theme, Artificial Intelligence Transformation (AX), was designed to address the structural changes reshaping industry, the economy, and society due to the spread of generative AI.
The first session focused on “Physical AI,” reflecting how AI innovation - sparked by the proliferation of large language models (LLMs) - is rapidly expanding into the physical realm through ultra-low-power, ultra-lightweight semiconductors.
This includes applications in robotics, sensors, and edge devices. Physical AI refers to technologies that interact directly with the real world through AI integration with robotics, autonomous driving, and smart factories.
It is drawing attention as a promising next-generation field where Korea can secure a strategic edge, given its strengths in semiconductors and manufacturing.
Yoo Hoi-jun, dean of the KAIST Graduate School of AI Semiconductor, gave a presentation titled “The Second AI Innovation Enabled by Ultra-Low-Power AI Semiconductors and Lightweight AI Models,” covering semiconductor trends for implementing Physical AI, academic and industrial strategies for robotics and semiconductors, and Korea’s development direction for “K-Physical AI.”
Following that, Professor Kim Jung, the head of KAIST’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, gave a talk on “Trends in Physical AI and Humanoid Robots,” predicting a new industrial paradigm shaped by AI-robot convergence.
He presented global trends, Korea’s development trajectory, and survival strategies for humanoid robots that can supplement or replace human intellectual and physical functions.
During the open discussion that followed, participating lawmakers and experts engaged in in-depth conversations about the need for bipartisan strategies and collaboration.
Rep. Choi Hyung-du of the People Power Party) stated, “Through this forum as a platform for public discourse, I will work to ensure that legislation and policy align with the direction of the science and technology field, and that necessary measures are taken promptly to strengthen national competitiveness.”
Rep. Kim Han-Kyu of the Democratic Party emphasized, “As strategic planning in science and technology accelerates, it becomes more difficult to coordinate policies involving multiple ministries. Forums like this, which enable ongoing communication among stakeholders, are instrumental in finding effective solutions.”
KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung said, “Although Korea is a latecomer in the generative AI field, we have a unique opportunity to gain strategic superiority in Physical AI, thanks to our technological capabilities in manufacturing, semiconductors, and robotics.”
He added, “I hope lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, along with experts, will come together regularly to devise practical policies and contribute to the advancement of Korea’s science and technology.”
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