About us

Field of research and key projects of the SK Innovation Institute of
Environmental Science & Technology

SK Innovation aspires to become an R&D Innovator across the entire energy value chain—from petroleum and chemicals to
advanced energy—for a sustainable society.

  • Fuels & Power Generation & Resources

    • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
    • Hydrogen
    • Water
    • etc.

    Based on capabilities accumulated over a long period in fuel/gas, we conduct research on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), hydrogen, and new energy and water resources.

  • Power Systems

    • High-voltage transmission and distribution materials and Products
    • Grid-stabilization solutions

    We research the materials, products, and solutions required for building electric power system infrastructure, including high-voltage conductors, insulation materials, and grid-stabilization solutions.

  • Energy Transportation & Storage

    • Batteries
    • ESS
    • Thermal energy storage
    • etc.

    In collaboration with SK On’s Future Technology Institute, we advance battery and ESS technologies and explore new energy storing technologies including thermal energy storage.

  • Energy Efficiency & Thermal Management

    • Lubricants
    • refrigerants
    • immersion cooling
    • etc.

    We expand lubricants technology to deliver thermal management solutions for EVs and data centers, including immersion cooling and HVAC refrigerants.

  • Energy Services & Solutions

    • Transmission and Distribution solutions
    • Data Centers

    By leveraging decades of accumulated simulation capabilities and the latest AI techniques, we develop technologies related to energy services and solutions for power transmission/distribution networks and data centers.

  • Core Energy Technologies

    • Nano-materials
    • Analysis
    • Computational chemistry/Engineering
    • Process research/Development
    • LCA
    • etc.

    We explore new business opportunities through R&D in nano-materials, analysis, computational chemistry/engineering, process development, and LCA(Life Cycle Assessment).

Research Areas and Key Projects of the SK On Future Technology Institute

As a global leading player, SK On continues to carry out battery R&D in line with growing EV demand and evolving technology trends. In addition, we are developing high-efficiency, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries that help minimize air pollution, ensure power quality and grid stability, and accelerate the development of renewable energy–linked energy storage systems.

  • Safety

  • Fast-charging

  • Energy Density

SK On has been constantly investing in R&D to develop safe, fast, and durable batteries and has achieved much. Based on high energy density and safety technology, we are developing leading lithium-ion battery technologies.  We are also developing next-generation batteries like lithium-metal-based all-solid batteries in order to support future growth and strengthen business competency. With our safe technology, we will continue to make efforts towards leading the market and earning trust.

  • Automotive Batteries

    • Battery materials
    • Battery cells/ Modules / Packs / BMS

    We develop HEV and EV batteries that lead the market with differentiated high energy density and safety technologies. Cells, modules, packs, and BMS are developed to meet detailed customer requirements for lifespan, output, fast charging, and safety.

  • ESS Batteries

    • Cellfor ESS applications / Module
      / Racks / System / BMS

    We develop optimized ESS products for diverse customer needs, based on highly stable cells, high-efficiency modules, racks, and precision BMS.

  • Solid-State Batteries

    • Solid-state battery materials
    • Solid-state battery cells

    We develop solid electrolytes, lithium metal, and cells to achieve higher energy density with enhanced safety.

Research Areas and Key Projects of SKIET Separators

SK IE Technology develops advanced separators for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and a wide range of electronic devices. We pioneered the world’s first battery separators manufactured using a sequential biaxial stretching process, and we continue to innovate separator technologies that address key engineering challenges in battery design.

Lithium-ion Battery Structure

Function & Role of Separators

  • Enables lithium-ion transport
  • Physically separates the anode and cathode,
    providing electrical insulation

Separator Structure

Ultra‑thin, microporous membrane positioned
between the cathode and anode materials

  • Base film Top View

  • CCS* Top View

  • CCS* Cross-sectional
    View

*CCS : Ceramic Coated Separator

SK IE Technology develops high‑performance separator solutions tailored to customers’ battery requirements. By securing cost‑competitive materials and manufacturing processes, we also advance next‑generation separator platforms, including nano‑composite films and materials for semi‑solid and all‑solid‑state batteries, to support long‑term growth.

Research Areas

  • Battery Performance

    • Separators for high-power and
      high-energy density batteries
    • Separators for long-life batteries
    • Separators for high-voltage
      battery systems
    • Separators for fast-charging batteries
  • Battery Safety

    • Ultra-high-strength separators
    • Safety-enhanced separators
    • Heat-resistant and
      ultra-low-shrinkage separators
  • Cell Manufacturing
    Productivity

    • Separators that reduce
      cell assembly defects
    • Curl-free separators
    • Functional separators
      with adhesive properties