Data-driven prediction and anomaly detection models expected to improve reliability and performance of next-gen battery materials

POSCO Holdings’ Future Technology Research Institute has successfully identified the causes of performance degradation and the reaction mechanisms of LMR (Lithium-Manganese-Rich) cathode materials, recognized as a key component of next-generation secondary batteries, through data-driven analysis. The results of this study were published in Issue 18 of Energy & Environmental Science, a globally renowned journal in the field of energy and environment, on May 7, 2025.

LMR cathode materials are next-generation battery components designed to reduce the use of expensive cobalt and nickel by incorporating abundant and low-cost manganese, thereby enhancing cost competitiveness. These materials boast an energy density that is 33% higher than that of conventional LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries. As a result, they are expected to not only extend the driving range of electric vehicles but also offer significant value in post-use recycling. With global automakers such as GM and Ford formally adopting LMR batteries, the market expansion is progressing rapidly．

However, LMR batteries have faced commercialization challenges due to voltage drop during charge and discharge cycles, which leads to performance degradation. To address this issue, researchers at the Future Technology Research Institute analyzed over 30,000 battery charge datasets using AI, integrating them with various experimental data to identify the degradation causes and underlying reaction mechanisms of LMR materials. In particular, they applied dimensionality reduction techniques to pinpoint key factors affecting battery performance and linked these to observable phenomena such as manganese transformation and increased electrical resistance.

The data-driven model developed through this study serves as a crucial tool for predicting the performance of LMR batteries in advance and detecting anomalies at an early stage. It is expected to significantly enhance the reliability and safety of electric vehicle batteries in the future.

Building on the outcomes of this research, POSCO Holdings presented studies on the application of machine learning for battery material design and performance enhancement, as well as microstructure-based material optimization, at the Korean Institute of Metals and Materials and the AI4AM international conference in April. Further, the company is scheduled to present its AI-driven battery materials research at the Korean Institute of Chemical Engineers in October, and the latest research findings published on arXiv will be released soon.

Sang-cheol Nam, Head of the LIB Materials Research Center at the Future Technology Research Institute, stated, “We plan to continuously expand research that integrates AI with experimental data to drive the development of high-performance, high-reliability secondary battery materials.” He added, “By reinforcing data-driven analysis not only for LMR cathode materials but also for a wide range of battery materials, we aim to strengthen our competitiveness in the global battery market.”

In an interview, Research Director Jeong-jin Hong stated, “POSCO Holdings is continuously pursuing technological innovation across next-generation battery and energy materials through collaboration not only with various group affiliates such as POSCO Future M, but also through partnerships with external companies.” He added, “By integrating energy materials research with AI, we are leading advancements not only in battery technology but across a broad spectrum of energy-related fields, and we are actively sharing these research outcomes with both industry and academia.” He emphasized, “We will continue to expand collaboration and research across various domains to further strengthen our competitiveness in the global battery market.”

▲ Conceptual diagram of the AI-based degradation mechanism analysis and prediction model for LMR cathode materials developed by POSCO’s Future Technology Research Institute.

▲ Leading researchers: (From left) Dr. In-chul Park and Dr. Ji-eun Kim of POSCO Holdings, and Researcher In-jun Choi of RIST.

Set to be a game-changer in entry-level and standard EV markets being encroached by LFP… GM and Ford successively announce official adoption of LMR batteries

33% higher energy density compared to LFP provides driving range advantage, with high post-use recycling value expected to rapidly replace the market

Feasible to utilize existing NCM cathode material production facilities, enabling rapid market entry

POSCO Future M has completed the development of LMR (Lithium Manganese Rich) cathode materials, which will serve as a game-changer in the entry-level and standard electric vehicle markets, and is now moving forward with securing mass production technology.

Global automakers have recently been drawing market attention by successively announcing plans to launch electric vehicles equipped with LMR batteries. On the 13th, GM officially announced that it would launch electric vehicles using LMR batteries starting in 2028. Ford also revealed plans for LMR battery commercialization before 2030 and disclosed that it is currently conducting pilot production of second-generation LMR batteries.

LMR batteries are rapidly emerging as next-generation batteries as they can compete on price with LFP batteries that Chinese battery companies are primarily producing while offering superior performance.

LMR batteries can enhance price competitiveness by significantly reducing the expensive use of cobalt and nickel, while increasing the use of inexpensive manganese. Considering that LFP batteries are difficult to recycle, LMR batteries with high lithium recovery rates can have economic advantages as well.

Additionally, they can achieve 33% higher energy density compared to LFP batteries, securing greater capacity, and are expected to rapidly replace LFP market.

Recognizing these advantages, POSCO Future M selected LMR cathode materials as a new flagship product that will be a game-changer in the entry-level and standard electric vehicle markets. The company has been jointly developing commercialization technology with global automakers and battery companies since 2023.

POSCO Future M’s Technology Research Institute consolidated research capabilities with POSCO Holdings’ POSCO N.EX.T Hub, which oversees POSCO Group R&D, and achieved successful pilot production last year through continuous improvements in energy density, charge-discharge performance, and stability. The company plans to secure mass production technology within this year and actively pursue large-scale contract orders.

Recently, the company took a significant step toward mass production readiness by obtaining approval after conducting due diligence in the areas of equipment operation, safety, and the environment, as required for LMR production at the request of customers. POSCO Future M plans to establish mass production capabilities by utilizing existing NCM cathode material production lines without large-scale new investments, enabling timely product supply according to customer requests.

Young-jun Hong, Director of POSCO Future M’s Technology Research Institute, stated, “LMR cathode materials have long been recognized for their potential but faced commercialization difficulties in terms of cycleability, and we have made significant progress through research and development,” adding, “Based on solid trust relationships, we are on the verge of launching products that combine affordable prices with high energy density through collaboration with customers.”

Following this LMR cathode material development, POSCO Future M plans to expand its LMR product portfolio from entry-level and standard to premium and large EV markets by developing next-generation LMR cathode materials with further enhanced energy capacity in collaboration with POSCO Holdings’ POSCO N.EX.T Hub.

▲POSCO Future M researcher is testing the production of LMR cathode material products at Sejong Institute’s pilot plant.