Why? A few thoughts on this. Part 1: Nano One Materials & Saint Gobain 1) December 18, 2018: Nano One Signs a Joint Development Agreement with Saint-Gobain https://nanoone.ca/news/news-releases/nano-one-signs-a-joint-development-agreement-with-saint-gobain/ "The goal of the collaboration is to enhance high temperature processing of Nano One's lithium ion battery materials. ... commercial terms remain confidential.”
"Their materials are complementary to our processing technology and this agreement adds to our current efforts with other strategic interests in the lithium ion battery supply chain."
Ms. Ben Bassat, Nano One's VP of Business Development
"Saint-Gobain also wants to be joining Nano One's demonstration pilot project, as a consortium member with the support of the Government of Canada through Sustainable Development Technology Canada."
“Innovation for a sustainable future is at the core of both companies and our combined know-how has the potential to put us at the forefront of transformative energy storage solutions. We look forward to working in close collaboration with Nano One.”
Mr. Natesh Krishnan, Worldwide Commercial Director Saint Gobain
2) May 31, 2019: Nano One Approved for $5 Million Funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada https://nanoone.ca/news/news-releases/nano-one-approved-for-5-million-funding-from-sustainable-development-technology-canada/
“As communicated previously,” Mr. Blondal added, “Nano One is engaged with Pulead Technology and Saint-Gobain and we are pleased to announce that Volkswagen Group Research will join our consortium as a project contributor. Details on the other two project contributors remain confidential. We are inspired to be working with such accomplished global leaders and look forward to accelerating our activities with the support of SDTC.”
Addendum: VW & Saint Gobain are still Consortium Partners today
https://nanoone.ca/about/partners/
3) August 4, 2021: Nano One Provides Update on Joint Projects with Saint-Gobain (PROJECTS!) https://nanoone.ca/news/news-releases/nano-one-provides-update-on-joint-projects-with-saint-gobain/
“This project has provided valuable insight on thermal processing conditions for various cathode materials and furnace materials. We have developed thermal processing expertise to optimize the performance of cathode materials and throughout the project, we have shared a collaborative and open relationship with our colleagues at Saint-Gobain. Potential future work will build on those outcomes, add manufacturing know-how and enhance the value of our process technology and business offerings."
Stephen Campbell, Nano One’s Chief Technology Officer.
"Saint-Gobain remains a consortium member within Nano One’s “Scaling Advanced Battery Materials” project supported by Sustainable Development Technology Canada (“SDTC”) and the British Columbia Innovative Clean Energy (“ICE”) fund."
"The partnership with Nano One has been important to Saint-Gobain through advancing our understanding of the cathode material firing process to allow an enhanced product offering to better serve this market.”
Mr. Natesh Krishan, General Manager of Engineered Ceramics of Saint-Gobain
"Having built a positive working relationship over the past 2 years, Nano One and Saint-Gobain are discussing the scope of work for additional joint projects and will continue to explore future business and co-development opportunities."
Final assessment: ALL GOALS of these joint PROJECTS were apparently achieved more than satisfactorily for both sides! Part 2: Saint-Gobain & Addionics 1) April 21, 2021: Announcement of the collaboration https://batteriesnews.com/saint-gobain-addionics-high-power-capacity-solid-state-batteries-fast-charging-ev/
a) Saint Gobain
"Saint-Gobain and addionics to develop high-power, high-capacity solid-state batteries for long-range, fast-charging EV. The partnership aims to offer major improvements in EV battery performance, such as longer driving range, fast charging, enhanced safety and lower production costs. Saint-Gobain’s initial technological breakthrough with its novel solid-state battery components enables safer battery operation and low-cost manufacturing by simplifying the production flow and eliminating intermediate processes."
>> Haven't you heard everything like this before? ;)
b) Addionics And what does Addionics bring to the collaboration? A LOT, namely another optimization! aa) https://www.addionics.com/post/3d-electrodes-the-new-standard-in-ev-battery-technology-and-the-benefits-behind-the-shift
"By using dry coating instead, where the active material on the current collector is already dry, this would remove or at least minimize the need for a drying process."
"Ready-for-production technology is designed to be seamlessly integrated into existing manufacturing lines, regardless of the chemistry, new or existing. Indeed, the industry is adopting this new 3D metal architecture for cell design as by being a drop-in solution, it’s cheaper and easier"
"Additionally, it can improve any kind of battery technology and chemistry, including li-ion, silicon, solid state and more."
>>
DRY COATING? Who would like to use this or is interested in it? Tesla, VW... Others? bb) https://www.addionics.com/post/is-the-us-on-the-way-to-becoming-an-lfp-battery-empire
"By reducing the amount of inactive materials and increasing electrode loading, Addionics 3D structures allow LFP batteries to deliver more power and store more energy. Indeed, as more active material is loaded with Addionics’ technology, higher energy density is achieved to allow a longer driving range. Furthermore, the 3D electrode structure contributes to reducing the internal resistance of LFP batteries to achieve faster charging times and allowing them to operate at high currents."
"For these reasons, Addionics is collaborating with a number of major OEMs to develop high performing LFP batteries that will enable car makers to use this safe, cost-effective technology to power current and future EVs and fleets."
>> LFP? Multiple OEMs? Like Nano One Materials! The perfect match? Or LMFP?
"As #LMFP batteries enter the early stage of mass production, it's no wonder that Volkswagen and other industry leaders are taking notice. With its advanced capabilities and performance, LMFP has the potential to be one of the leading EV battery chemistries in the next few years. Combining LMFP with advanced 3D current collectors can improve adhesion and increase the active content of LMFP, enabling a higher energy density. Exciting times lie ahead for the future of batteries!" https://www.linkedin.com/posts/addionics_chinas-ev-battery-sector-is-preparing-a-activity-7072203045035479040-SH3J/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
It all sounds very good! :))
cc) https://www.addionics.com/post/addionics-unveils-the-world-s-first-3d-electrode-manufacturing-pilot-line-for-ev-batteries
On February 14, 23 Addionics unveils the world's first 3D electrode manufacturing pilot line for EV batteries.
"With Addionics' partners' support, the company will expand its technological developments primarily for the automotive industry, which includes global leading automakers and tier 1 suppliers."
- https://www.eetimes.com/how-smart-3d-electrodes-will-power-next-generation-batteries/
"Addionics has started building in its pilot stage in Israel the components required by companies in the United States and Europe. Later, taking advantage of the Inflation Reduction ACT (IRA) incentives, Addionics plans to extend to the US, building a production site to serve the American automotive market."
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnfrazer1/2023/04/03/ev-automakers-fight-for-access-to-better-batteries/?sh=5150b5b01ac3
"No new facilities need to be built. What we offer is a drop-in solution that requires no additional capital expenditure. Additionally, the solution is chemistry-agnostic. It doesn’t matter if the battery is nickel-manganese-cobalt, lithium-iron-phosphate or even emerging chemistries such as silicon and solid-state. Costs are reduced as a result, and the kicker is that so are emissions; we have a more efficient manufacturing and drying process that consumes less and creates less waste.”
Couldn't that fit Nano One Materials schedule?
dd) More information about Addionics on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/addionics/posts/?feedView=all
Part 2: Conclusion
The work between Saint-Gobain and Nano One Materials has now been completed for almost 2 years. Over time, however, the collaboration between Saint Gobain and Addionics has developed rapidly. Both Nano One Materials and Addionics are right now at the beginning of their commercialization, the link here is Saint Gobain in my opinion.
In this cooperation, everything would fit together technologically (ONE POT/M2CAMS & Solid State & Smart 3D electrodes/dry coating) and surprisingly also in terms of time. This solution would be independent of different battery chemicals, could be easily integrated into existing production processes and could be used worldwide as a complete solution!!!
IN SHORT: This interaction would combine all the advantages that the batteries of the next generation should have: environmental compatibility, long range, fast charging time, durability, cost savings!
For me, Nano One Materials (Active Material) & Saint Gobain (Solid-state battery components) & Addionics (Smart 3D electrode technology/dry coating) would be:
THE DREAM TEAM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF GREEN LITHIUM BATTERIES!
https://nanoone.ca/news/news-releases/nano-one-patented-cathode-tests-positively-in-solid-state-batteries/
https://www.addionics.com/post/addionics-to-collaborate-with-saint-gobain-ceramics
But it is very likely that it will only be >> ONE << of many possible collaborations alongside the many others (Rio Tinto, BASF, Umicore, Euro Manganese, ONE ... and all the unpublished projects that are unfortunately under NDA) that are certainly running in the background.
Exciting times! We will see! Stay informed!