硫化锂量产突围，2026角逐千吨级市场

Core Viewpoint - The lithium sulfide sector is experiencing significant growth, with multiple companies ramping up production capabilities and advancements in solid-state battery technology [3][4][9]. Group 1: Industry Developments - Tianqi Lithium announced the commencement of a pilot project for lithium sulfide with an annual production capacity of 50 tons in Sichuan, emphasizing low risk and rapid mass production [3]. - Enjie Co. reported the completion of a pilot line for high-purity lithium sulfide with a capacity of 100 tons, indicating a strong focus on scaling production [4]. - The demand for lithium sulfide is projected to reach a hundred-ton level by 2025 and potentially escalate to a thousand tons by 2026, indicating a faster-than-expected growth trajectory [4]. Group 2: Cost and Performance Challenges - Lithium sulfide constitutes 77% to 80% of the cost of solid-state electrolytes, with current market prices ranging from 3 million to 4 million yuan per ton, making cost reduction critical for the commercialization of solid-state batteries [5]. - The purity of lithium sulfide is essential for high-performance solid-state electrolytes, with impurities adversely affecting ionic conductivity and posing safety risks [6][7]. Group 3: Technological Approaches - Companies are adopting various technological routes for lithium sulfide production, including: 1. Hydrogen Sulfide Neutralization Method: This method has achieved scale, with Shanghai Xiba leading the way and aiming to reduce prices significantly [10][11]. 2. Liquid Phase Method: Companies like Tianqi Materials and Huasheng Lithium have leveraged their expertise in electrolyte and fine chemicals to optimize this method, although it faces challenges related to organic solvent residues [12][13]. 3. Lithium-Sulfur Direct Solid Phase Method: Major lithium companies are exploring this route, which can yield high-purity products but faces scalability challenges due to the cost of lithium metal [14]. 4. Carbothermic Reduction Method: Enjie and Rongbai Technology are focusing on this method, which has cost advantages but must overcome issues related to carbon residue [15]. Group 4: Equipment and Process Challenges - The production of lithium sulfide requires specialized equipment due to its corrosive nature and sensitivity to moisture and oxygen, with three main equipment solutions currently in use [16]. - The hydrogen sulfide-lithium hydroxide method is currently leading in terms of production capabilities, but breakthroughs in other methods could reshape the competitive landscape [17].