LG Energy Solution, Seoul National University Crack LMR Battery Gas Problem
Seoul – September 09, 2026 -- LG Energy Solution and Seoul National University have developed a voltage-control method that suppresses gas evolution in lithium manganese-rich (LMR) batteries, clearing a major barrier to commercializing the cobalt-free chemistry in large-format EV cells.
The joint research team, led by Professor Jongwoo Lim of Seoul National University's Department of Chemistry, published its findings in Nature Communications on September 7 Seoul time. LG Energy Solution announced the results the same day.
Optimized 40 Ah cells retained 92.2% of initial energy after 883 cycles
Researchers applied the new operating protocol to 40 Ah-class large-format LMR cells, which held onto 92.2 percent of their original energy capacity following 883 charge-discharge cycles. The result demonstrates cycle-life stability sufficient to move LMR materials beyond small-format applications and into large EV battery packs.