Natrion has received a $150,000 R&D grant and a $100,000 SuperBoost grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York. The funding will accelerate the commercialization of Natrion’s LISIC solid-state electrolyte separator, a non-porous separator technology designed to enhance the safety, thermal stability, and manufacturability of lithium-ion batteries for applications such as electric vehicles (EVs) and grid storage.
The LISIC separator addresses one of the most critical challenges in lithium-ion systems: thermal runaway. By replacing porous separators that rely on flammable liquid electrolytes, Natrion’s solid-state platform aims to reduce fire risk while maintaining energy density and compatibility with existing cell formats.
The separator’s design enables integration into established battery manufacturing lines, supporting scalable production without significant retooling.
The Gen-1 active separator, built on Natrion’s patented lithium solid ionic composite (LISIC) platform, is the first and only separator of its kind designed to mitigate common lithium-ion cell degradation mechanisms actively. Manufactured in the United States, the material supports lower bill of materials costs compared to traditional separator products.
In addition to enhancing safety, the separator enables broader operating temperature ranges and more benign failure behavior, key characteristics for managing fire risk in EVs and high-stress applications.
The NSF R&D grant will be used to improve the performance, cost, and manufacturing scalability of the LISIC platform. The SuperBoost grant will support efforts in rapid prototyping, quality control, and production automation.
Natrion is collaborating with the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Battery Development Center to test and validate the technology, with a focus on cylindrical cell formats commonly used in EVs, grid storage, and portable electronics.
SuperBoost is a strategic commercialization program within the NSF Energy Storage Engine, designed to shorten the traditional five-year technology-to-market timeline to fewer than two years.
The program provides early-stage energy storage companies with targeted support through funding, infrastructure, and research partnerships.
The NSF Energy Storage Engine initiative focuses on strengthening the US energy storage supply chain and supporting domestic innovation. By connecting startups with regional testbeds and industry resources, the program is accelerating the development of next-generation battery technologies with national significance.
With support from the Engine and access to advanced validation tools at RIT, Natrion is working to bring its separator technology closer to commercial-scale deployment. The effort contributes to broader national goals related to electrification, energy security, and the expansion of domestic battery manufacturing capacity.
Filed Under: Batteries, Technology News