KBR Inc. and ISU Specialty Chemical Co. have successfully advanced their innovative PureLi2S™ lithium sulfide technology to commercial scale. This achievement follows the successful operation of their Onsan pilot plant in Ulsan, Republic of Korea. The plant's successful production of high-quality lithium sulfide has demonstrated market acceptance, marking a significant step toward full-scale commercialization.

The pilot plant was established under a joint development agreement signed in 2023. Insights gained from the pilot phase, combined with KBR's extensive expertise in scaling process technologies, will play a key role in designing the commercial facility. This step is crucial in bringing PureLi2S™ technology to global markets and meeting the growing demand for high-performance battery materials.

KBR's PureLi2S™ technology is engineered to produce battery-grade lithium sulfide for All-Solid-State Batteries (ASSBs). These advanced batteries offer superior energy density, improved safety, and enhanced efficiency compared to conventional liquid electrolytes. By enabling the production of high-purity lithium sulfide with minimal off-spec material, the PureLi2S™ process addresses a critical challenge in battery material production. This improved purity is essential for achieving stable battery performance, longer cycle life, and enhanced energy efficiency. The ability to limit off-spec material also streamlines the production process, reducing waste and enhancing overall process sustainability.

Transitioning to a larger continuous production process is expected to further enhance cost-efficiency and scalability over traditional batch-based methods. Continuous production not only reduces operational costs but also ensures a more consistent product quality, which is essential for battery manufacturers aiming to achieve uniform performance across their products. This shift is key to making lithium sulfide production more sustainable and commercially viable.

"We are pleased to continue our collaboration with ISU Specialty Chemical, building on two years of joint research and development to scale lithium sulfide production," said Hari Ravindran, Senior Vice President of Technology Solutions at KBR. "With PureLi2S™, we are not only enhancing electric vehicle performance and range but also advancing affordability to accelerate large-scale electrification."

Seung-Ho Lyu, CEO of ISU Specialty Chemical, added, "The outstanding performance of our Onsan plant has exceeded our expectations, consistently producing high-quality lithium sulfide. We are excited to partner with KBR to introduce this groundbreaking technology to the global market."

This commercial-scale breakthrough represents a major advancement for the battery industry, as lithium sulfide plays a pivotal role in improving the performance and viability of next-generation battery systems. By combining KBR's process technology expertise with ISU's chemical production capabilities, this collaboration is set to address the growing demand for efficient, high-performance energy storage solutions. As the global shift toward electrification continues, innovations like PureLi2S™ will be crucial in supporting advancements in electric vehicle technology, renewable energy integration, and other energy storage applications.