Syensqo and Axens launch Argylium to industrialize solid-state battery materials, strengthening Europe’s innovation, safety, and competitiveness in next-generation batteries.
Syensqo and Axens have announced the establishment of Argylium, a newly formed company dedicated to accelerating the development and industrial-scale demonstration of advanced materials for solid-state batteries in Europe. The launch of this joint initiative marks a significant milestone in Europe’s efforts to reinforce its technological leadership and innovation capacity in next-generation battery solutions, which are expected to play a critical role in the continent’s electrification and energy transition strategies.
Solid-state batteries are widely viewed as a transformative technology for future electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems. Unlike conventional lithium-ion batteries that rely on liquid electrolytes, solid-state batteries utilize solid materials to transport ions between electrodes. This fundamental shift offers several major advantages, including improved safety by reducing the risk of leakage or fire, higher energy density that can extend driving range, and the potential for faster charging times. As global demand for cleaner mobility and more efficient energy storage continues to rise, solid-state batteries are increasingly seen as a cornerstone technology for the next decade.
Argylium builds on a strong technological foundation developed by Syensqo over many years. Syensqo has successfully operated a solid-state battery pilot line in La Rochelle and has accumulated more than a decade of research and development experience at its state-of-the-art laboratory in Aubervilliers, near Paris. These assets have enabled the company to advance critical know-how in battery materials, particularly in the field of solid electrolytes. Through Argylium, this expertise will now be directed toward accelerating the industrialization of next-generation sulfide solid electrolyte materials, a key component required for the commercialization of all-solid-state batteries (ASSB).
The new venture combines complementary strengths from several leading industrial and research organizations. Axens brings extensive experience in process engineering, industrial scale-up, and the global operation of inorganic chemistry plants. This capability is essential for transforming laboratory-scale innovations into reliable, large-scale manufacturing processes. In addition, the collaboration is supported by IFPEN, which contributes internationally recognized expertise in inorganic chemistry and in the development of oxide and sulfide divided materials, notably through its research center in Lyon.
According to Thomas Canova, Head of Research and Innovation at Syensqo, the creation of Argylium represents a decisive step toward making solid-state battery materials market-ready. By joining forces with Axens and IFPEN, Syensqo aims to significantly increase the likelihood that its pilot-scale innovations can be successfully scaled up and deployed commercially. This collaboration is also aligned with broader European ambitions to strengthen domestic capabilities in electrification technologies and energy storage solutions.
From Axens’ perspective, the partnership is equally strategic. Fabrice Bertoncini, Executive Vice President for New Development and Transformation at Axens, highlighted the company’s more than five decades of experience in scaling technologies to commercial levels. He emphasized that the collaboration with Syensqo and IFPEN aligns with Axens’ strategy to develop industrial assets in Europe, including facilities for advanced battery materials such as cathode active materials (CAM) and the recycling of black mass. Together, these efforts are intended to establish a robust industrial ecosystem capable of supporting the commercialization of solid electrolytes by around 2030.
Looking ahead, Argylium plans to work closely with leading European research institutions, automotive original equipment manufacturers, advanced battery producers, and energy technology partners. Through these collaborations, the company seeks to accelerate innovation, validate technologies at scale, and improve market readiness. Ultimately, Argylium is positioned to make a meaningful contribution to Europe’s objective of building a sustainable, competitive, and resilient solid-state battery industry that can compete on a global stage.
