POSCO Future M hard carbon anode plans are moving into a new phase as the South Korean battery materials company targets mass production in 2028. The company recently added hard carbon anode material for sodium-ion batteries to its formal development roadmap. As a result, POSCO Future M is now one of the few South Korean companies with both development and production plans in this segment.
Moreover, the timeline is clear. POSCO Future M aims to complete development by the third quarter of 2027. Then, it plans to begin mass production in 2028. This schedule places the company in a promising position as sodium-ion batteries gain traction in energy storage and other applications that value long life and stable low-temperature performance.
POSCO Future M Hard Carbon Anode Timeline
According to industry sources, POSCO Future M recently finalized development plans for cathode and anode materials, along with its next-generation materials strategy. For the first time, the company included detailed plans for hard carbon anode material for sodium-ion batteries.
The roadmap sets two key milestones. First, the company will complete development by the third quarter of 2027. Second, it will launch mass production in 2028. In addition, POSCO Future M plans to use existing anode material production lines for this product. That decision should improve efficiency and support a faster commercial rollout.
Importantly, the company can adapt major equipment already in place. Heat-treatment furnaces, reactors, and slurry processes can all support hard carbon production with partial modifications. Therefore, POSCO Future M can expand into this market while making practical use of its current manufacturing base.
Why POSCO Future M Hard Carbon Anode Matters for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Sodium-ion batteries use sodium instead of lithium. Because sodium is abundant, supply is easier to secure. In addition, raw material prices tend to show smaller swings. The battery structure remains familiar. It still includes a cathode, anode, electrolyte, and separator. However, the materials inside the cell differ from those used in Lithium-ion batteries.
For cathodes, sodium-ion batteries often use sodium iron phosphate, also known as NFPP, or nickel-iron-manganese, known as NFM. For anodes, manufacturers mainly use hard carbon instead of graphite. The electrolyte also changes, as it uses sodium salts in an organic solvent.
Hard carbon fits sodium-ion batteries well because of its structure. Sodium atoms are much larger than lithium atoms. Therefore, standard graphite does not offer the same ease of movement for sodium ions. By contrast, hard carbon has wider interlayer spacing and fine internal pores. As a result, it can store sodium ions more effectively and support repeated charging and discharging.
Furthermore, hard carbon can work with aluminum foil as the current collector. Aluminum foil costs about one-third as much as conventional copper foil. This cost advantage can improve the overall material equation, even though hard carbon itself costs more than graphite.
POSCO Future M Hard Carbon Anode and Market Demand
Market forecasts point to fast growth for sodium-ion batteries by 2028. Global shipments are expected to exceed 70 gigawatt-hours that year. In addition, every 1 gigawatt-hour of battery production requires about 1,500 tons of hard carbon anode material.
Based on those figures, demand for hard carbon anode material in 2028 should exceed 100,000 tons. That estimate highlights why major battery material companies are moving quickly. It also explains why POSCO Future M is adding this material to its long-term product lineup.
China currently leads the hard carbon supply chain. Companies such as BTR, Shanshan, and Zhongke Electric already mass produce hard carbon anode material. China’s total hard carbon production capacity stands at about 80,000 to 90,000 tons per year. Meanwhile, South Korea is building its presence. Aekyung Chemical disclosed hard carbon mass production plans earlier and is building a pilot line with annual capacity of 1,300 tons, targeting completion in 2026.
POSCO Future M Hard Carbon Anode in a Broader Battery Strategy
POSCO Future M is not limiting its next-generation strategy to hard carbon alone. The company also revealed roadmaps for LFP cathode material, lithium manganese-rich cathode material, and silicon anode material. Even so, hard carbon remains a notable addition because it connects directly to the expected rise of sodium-ion batteries.
The company plans to convert part of its Pohang cathode lines for LFP use. It will produce prototypes in 2026 and start mass production in the second half. Then, in 2029, it aims to build an LFP cathode production system that uses group-supplied raw materials and in-house processes. On the anode side, it will continue expanding across natural graphite, artificial graphite, silicon anode material, and now hard carbon.
Overall, POSCO Future M is building a broader battery materials portfolio while keeping production practical. Its 2028 hard carbon target gives the company a defined entry point into the Sodium-ion Battery market. At the same time, its use of existing lines and equipment supports an efficient path to scale. Therefore, POSCO Future M hard carbon anode plans could become an important step in South Korea’s push to strengthen advanced battery materials production in 2028 and beyond.
Disclaimer:
The content presented on this page has not been manually verified by our team.
While we strive to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the validity, completeness,
or timeliness of the information provided. Always consult with appropriate professionals
or sources before making any decisions based on this content.
The image is randomly selected and doesn’t necessarily represent the company or the news above.
