New European solid-state battery business targets commercial production

Axens Group, Syensqo and public research body IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) have joined forces to launch a new company dedicated to developing electrolytes for solid-state batteries in Europe.

Argylium has been established for the development, scaling and commercial demonstration of solid-state battery materials, and the company is expected to focus on industrializing next-generation sulfide solid electrolyte materials to supply all-solid state batteries (ASSB).

The joint venture will build on science company Syensqo’s experience operating a solid-state battery pilot line in La Rochelle, France, utilizing technology developed at the company’s laboratory in Paris. Argylium is expected to use the Paris research center to define and prototype a sulfide electrolyte portfolio, while the La Rochelle development center will be dedicated to advancing pre-industrial processes.

Global technology group Axens brings its experience in process design, industrial scale-up and chemical plant expertise to the project, while IPFEN will contribute expertise in inorganic chemistry, as well as knowledge of oxide or sulfide divided materials from its Lyon research center.

Solid-state batteries have attracted interest from the automotive and energy storage industries, although the road to commercializing has been challenging. The technology replaces liquid electrolytes with solid materials, and is expected to offer greater safety, high energy density and potential for faster charging. However, the current small-scale nature of all-solid state production means costs remain high on a per watt-hour basis, but this could change with industrialization and market expansion.

Thomas Canova, head of research and innovation at Syensqo, said establishing Argylium represents “an important step forward in bringing solid-state battery materials to market readiness.”

“By joining forced with Axens and IFPEN, we are enhancing the chances of successfully scaling up Syensqo’s pilot innovations and contributing to advance Europe’s electrification and energy storage ambitions,” said Canova.

Fabrice Bertoncini, Axen Group’s executive vice president in new development and transformation, added: “With over 50 years’ experience in scaling up technologies to the commercial levels, in partnership with IFPEN and aligned with our strategy to develop industrial assets in Europe  for the production of advanced battery materials for cathodes (CAM) and recycling of Black Mass, our association with Syensqo aims to lay the groundwork and build a robust ecosystem for the commercialization of solid electrolytes by 2030.”