LG Energy Solution and Seoul National University Develop Breakthrough for Stable Next-Gen LMR Batteries, Paving Way for EV Commercialization

September 13, 2026

LG Energy Solution (Press Release) South Korea

Overview

LG Energy Solution, in collaboration with Seoul National University, has developed a key technology to enhance the stability of next-generation lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries by effectively suppressing gas evolution. Their joint research, published in Nature Communications, demonstrated that 40 Ah-class large-format cells retained 92.2% of their initial energy after 883 cycles. This breakthrough addresses a major challenge in LMR battery commercialization, laying the groundwork for their application in electric vehicles by optimizing oxygen reaction reversibility during charging and discharging.

In Depth

Key Findings

LG Energy Solution, in collaboration with Seoul National University, has developed a groundbreaking technology to significantly enhance the stability of next-generation lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries. This innovation successfully addresses the critical challenge of suppressing gas evolution, a major hurdle for LMR battery commercialization. Their joint research, published in Nature Communications, demonstrated that 40 Ah-class large-format cells maintained 92.2% of their initial energy after 883 cycles, showcasing exceptional durability.

Technical & Clinical Details

Gas Evolution Suppression: LMR batteries offer high energy density and cost potential but have been plagued by gas generation during cycling due to parasitic reactions with the electrolyte, leading to cell swelling and performance degradation. The new technology effectively mitigates this issue by stabilizing electrode interfaces and optimizing electrolyte compositions.
Extended Cycle Life: The impressive retention of 92.2% initial energy after 883 cycles is a crucial indicator of the LMR battery’s longevity and robustness. This is particularly vital for electric vehicle applications, which demand consistent performance over many charge-discharge cycles.
Optimized Oxygen Reaction Reversibility: Maximizing LMR battery performance requires enhancing the reversibility of oxygen reactions during charge and discharge. The research successfully optimized this process, contributing to both improved efficiency and stability of the battery system.

Background & Industry Context

The drive for higher energy density and lower-cost battery technologies is a continuous imperative in the lithium-ion battery market. LMR batteries, which minimize the use of expensive nickel and cobalt by incorporating abundant manganese, have shown great promise for reducing raw material costs and enhancing supply chain sustainability. However, their stability, particularly regarding gas evolution, has presented a significant barrier to widespread adoption. This breakthrough by LG Energy Solution and Seoul National University directly tackles this limitation, opening up new possibilities for LMR batteries in mainstream EV markets.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

This enhanced stability technology is poised to accelerate the practical application of LMR batteries in electric vehicles. If successfully implemented at scale, LMR batteries could contribute to longer EV driving ranges and reduced vehicle costs, thereby accelerating the broader adoption of electric mobility. Furthermore, this innovation may have ripple effects across other battery application sectors, such as stationary energy storage systems, driving the overall advancement of the next-generation battery market. LG Energy Solution is likely to gain a competitive edge in the development of more powerful and safer EV batteries based on this significant achievement.

Source: https://www.lgcorp.com/media/release/30542

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