The positive and negative active materials are key materials that determine the energy density, output, and lifespan of secondary batteries. The positive active material mainly determines the capacity and voltage of the secondary battery, and the negative active material reversibly inserts/desorbs lithium ions from the positive active material and causes an electrochemical reaction that can be reused. In a rechargeable battery, lithium ions desorbed from the positive electrode are inserted into the negative electrode and stored, and in a discharged state, lithium ions from the negative electrode are stored in the positive electrode. As such, the active material undergoes an actual electrochemical reaction, so it is a high value-added material that is considered the most important among the four major materials for secondary batteries. That is why it is also nicknamed the semiconductor of the future.

At our Graduate School of Steel Energy and Materials, we are conducting in-depth research on positive and negative active materials at the atomic level, particle level, and electrode level. We are conducting various research on next-generation active materials as well as existing materials, leading the low-carbon/eco-friendly era to come.