Celgard, a subsidiary of Polypore International, allied with Æsir Technology, a manufacturing company that specializes in developing next-generation Nickel-Zinc battery technology. Together, Celgard and Æsir said they will collaborate on joint research projects to further develop high-technology next-generation Nickel-Zinc (Ni-Zn), Zinc-Air (Zn-Air), Lithium-Zinc (Li-Zn) and Sodium-Zinc (Na-Zn) batteries used primarily in aviation, data centers, telecom, energy infrastructure and electric vehicle (EV) charging applications.

Under the terms of the agreement, Celgard said it will supply 100% of Æsir’s battery separators for current applications, as well as future needs for a new battery gigafactory that is planned for 2024 to initially service the data center and 5G telecom markets. Celgard also will be positioned to offer separator products to future Ni-Zn and Li-Zn Æsir licensees or joint ventures.

“Celgard provides a special ‘Technology-Enabling’ separator that is integral to Æsir’s Ni-Zn performance, and we are excited to work closely with them to further drive innovation in our industry,” Dave Wilkins, Æsir’s chairman and chief technology officer, said.