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.
Lowering charge voltage to 4.3V raised oxygen recovery from 86% to 97%
LMR cathodes cut costs by relying primarily on manganese instead of cobalt, storing energy through both transition metals and oxygen in the cathode material. But when oxidized oxygen fails to fully return to its original state during discharge, it damages the battery's internal structure and generates gas -- a critical failure mode in large-format cells where internal space is limited and pressure buildup degrades performance.
The team found oxygen recovery depends on both the upper charging cutoff voltage and the discharge cutoff voltage. Reducing the upper charge voltage from 4.6V to 4.3V increased reduction of oxidized oxygen from 86 percent to 97 percent. Lowering the discharge cutoff voltage from the conventional 3.0V to 2.0V allowed oxygen to recover to near its original state.
LG Energy Solution redesigned formation process using lower-temperature conditions
Based on these findings, LG Energy Solution engineers redesigned the operating voltage range and formation process for the 40 Ah-class cells, applying a lower-temperature formation step to suppress gas generation specific to large-format architecture.
"We confirmed that achieving long-term stability in LMR batteries requires comprehensive consideration of not only charging conditions but also discharge conditions,