POSCO Holdings Inc. has joined hands with W-Scope Korea Co., a company that specializes in separators for secondary batteries, to develop the country’s first electrodialysis membrane required for the lithium production process.

The accomplishment aligns with POSCO Holdings’ strategy to expand collaborations with Korean small and mid-size enterprises in materials, components, and equipment, aiming to fortify the value chain of EV battery materials.

On Thursday, POSCO Holdings and W-Scope signed a memorandum of understanding at W-Scope’s factory in Ochang, North Chungcheong Province, and outlined joint efforts in the development and localization of electric desalination membranes essential for lithium production in POSCO Holdings’ lithium hydroxide plant.

W-Scope specializes in manufacturing lithium-ion battery separator membranes, leveraging polymer film technology.

Since 2013, W-Scope has been collaborating with POSCO Holdings, contributing to the development of lithium electric desalination membranes, key components in the lithium hydroxide production process.

POSCO Holdings employs electrodialysis technology to extract lithium, using a layered stack of membranes to filter substances while passing lithium solution through, resulting in high-purity lithium hydroxide.

This eco-friendly process boasts advantages such as zero byproduct generation and the ability to recycle supplementary raw materials, offering cost-effective and environmentally sustainable outcomes.

The electrodialysis membrane plays a pivotal role in POSCO Holdings’ proprietary lithium extraction technology.

Previously reliant on imports due to the absence of domestic manufacturers, the successful joint development marks Korea’s inaugural achievement in the production of lithium-specific electrodialysis membranes.

Both companies plan to implement these membranes at POSCO Holdings’ lithium commercialization plant from 2024.

The joint success in electrodialysis membrane development is poised to benefit POSCO Holdings by reducing costs in its lithium commercialization plant currently under construction and ensuring a stable supply of essential components.

W-Scope anticipates increased revenue from its venture into electrodialysis membrane production.

By Cho Yun-hee and Minu Kim

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