South Korea’s SK Innovation Co. will develop lithium-metal batteries using solid-state electrolytes with Nobel Prize recipient John B. Goodenough in hopes that the next-generation battery technology can significantly improve electric vehicle’s driving range and safety.

According to SK Innovation, the company and Mr. Goodenough, professor at the University of Texas at Austin, will carry out research on solid electrolytes to develop lithium metal battery, which is considered a next-generation battery technology for electric cars.

Goodenough, 98, was the oldest person to win a Nobel Prize last year. He was jointly awarded the prize in chemistry for his role in the development of the lithium-ion battery.

The joint research will focus on how to eliminate dendrite, which is a crystal formed in tree-like shape in a lithium-ion battery when lithium piles up on the negative electrode surface during charging. Dendrites are considered hazardous to battery lifespan and raising safety concerns as they damage battery separation membrane.

SK Innovation believes solid-state electrolytes developed jointly with Professor Goodenough are able to prevent dendrite phenomenon. Dendrites grow when ion unevenly contacts lithium metal in liquid-state electrolyte whereas it is easier to control ion movement in solid-state electrolyte, which prevents dendrites from growing.

According to SK Innovation, energy density cap of mainstay lithium-ion battery is 800 Wh/L while that of lithium metal battery is over 1,000 Wh/L. Higher density reduces volume, allowing more batteries to be equipped in an electric vehicle, significantly extending EV driving range thanks to a reduction in overall car body weight.

Lee Sung-joon, director of SK Innovation Technology Innovation Center, expected that developing innovative next-generation lithium metal batteries with Professor Goodenough considered a pioneer in the lithium-ion battery industry should not only contribute to the company but the industry as a whole.