Gelion announces solid-state separator breakthrough

(Sharecast News) - Battery technology company Gelion announced a breakthrough in the development of solid-state separators for lithium-sulphur (Li-S) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (Li-NMC) batteries on Wednesday. The AIM-traded firm said that using proprietary technology licensed from Oxford University, its subsidiary OXLiD had successfully fabricated a thin, flexible sulphide-based solid electrolyte separator (SES) that addressed key challenges in solid-state battery manufacturing, such as processability and scalability.

It said the development marked a significant step towards improving the safety, cycle life, and energy density of high-energy batteries.

The new SES technology would open potential revenue streams for Gelion through licensing agreements with Li-NMC battery manufacturers as the separator technology advanced toward scaled production.

Additionally, the SES was designed to integrate with various lithium metal battery types, including Li-air and solid-state Li-ion/Li-S cells, while reducing the external pressure and temperature requirements typically needed for the batteries.

Developed with support from the UK's Advanced Propulsion Centre and validated by third-party testing, the company said the ultra-thin SES of less than 70 microns thickness enhanced battery performance by allowing more active material within the same volume, contributing to lighter, high-performance batteries suited to applications in the automotive and aerospace sectors.

The SES would soon undergo testing within Gelion's GEN3 Li-S battery cells, which promised to leverage the separator's durability and efficiency gains.

Gelion said the advancement aligned with its mission to deliver sustainable, safe and affordable energy storage solutions.

The global separator market, driven by the growing demand for electric vehicles and advanced energy storage systems, was forecasted to expand from around $6bn in 2023 to around $20bn by 2032.

"This achievement marks an important milestone in unlocking the full potential of sulphur-based batteries, contributing to the global electrification revolution," said chief executive officer John Wood.

"When Gelion completed the acquisition of OXLiD we were keen to ensure that arrangements had been finalised around the licence between OXLiD and Oxford University Innovation for this technology, as it has potential to make a significant contribution toward performance enhancement for cells using lithium metal anodes.

"Now that the fabrication has been successfully demonstrated and the separator validated in trials, we will proceed to the next stage of optimising the separator performance."

Wood said that while the company had not recognised all the partners that contributed due to confidentiality, everyone involved had its gratitude for the "quality" of the work and effort.

"Our research and development teams at Gelion are best in class.

"We have some of the best minds in the industry within our business, working towards the development and commercialisation of technologies that will make a material impact on the greening of the global economy.

"This development, following our IP licensing agreement with Oxford University, underscores the strength of our relationships and calibre of our core partners, a key facet of our commercialisation strategy."

At 1307 GMT, shares in Gelion were down 7.69% at 18p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.