Strategic Partnership with South Korean Separator Specialist
AnteoTech has entered into a strategic collaboration and sales agreement with Xerabrid Corporation, a leading South Korean company specializing in separator technology. This partnership aims to integrate AnteoTech’s proprietary “cross-linking” separator product, Anteo S, with Xerabrid’s ceramic coated separator technology expertise. The agreement covers various aspects including product development, sales support, and engagement with global customers.
Expanding into Next-Generation Separator Technology
The collaboration is a significant step for AnteoTech as it expands its presence in the battery materials sector, particularly in next-generation separator technology. By combining Anteo S with Xerabrid’s high-performance separator design, the companies aim to enhance battery safety and performance.
Merrill Gray, CEO and Managing Director of AnteoTech, highlighted that the collaboration follows Xerabrid’s evaluation of Anteo S in ceramic coated separator applications. She emphasized that this partnership will leverage AnteoTech’s cross-linking technology and Xerabrid’s testing and manufacturing capabilities to accelerate customer testing, product optimization, and commercial adoption across next-generation separators in lithium-ion batteries.
This agreement also supports the commercial growth strategy for Anteo S in the large-volume market of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). AnteoTech has previously sold products into this market, and this collaboration further strengthens its position in the South Korean battery market.
Focus on High Silicon Anode Market
In addition to the separator technology, AnteoTech’s other performance additives, such as Anteo X and SiMRAX (a joint product with Black Diamond Structures in the USA), deliver performance benefits in the High Silicon anode market. This focus is primarily on electric vehicles (EV) and consumer product applications globally.
Enhancing Battery Safety through Separators
Battery separators play a crucial role in preventing direct contact between the anode and cathode, thereby reducing the risk of electrical short circuits and thermal runaway, which can lead to battery fires. AnteoTech has designed Anteo S to improve the mechanical and thermal stability of ceramic coated separators.
Third-party testing has demonstrated that Anteo S can reduce separator shrinkage above 150°C, improve puncture strength, and enhance tensile strength. These improvements contribute to safer and more reliable battery performance.
Xerabrid, with its R&D facilities and pilot-scale manufacturing capabilities, plans to expand to commercial-scale separator production. The company develops and manufactures separators for both lithium-ion and lithium-sulphur batteries. Its ceramic coating expertise allows for very thin ceramic coating layer designs suited for next-generation EV and consumer electronics battery applications.
Comprehensive Agreement and Future Prospects
The collaboration term sheet covers cooperative business development, product development, and joint sales activity. A comprehensive three-year agreement is expected within 120 days. Currently, four companies are evaluating Anteo S for integration and scale-up in South Korea, while two major separator companies in the US are also assessing the product.
AnteoTech reported that demand for improved separator performance has driven rapid growth in Anteo S sample requests globally. The global lithium-ion battery separator market is forecasted to grow from approximately US$8 billion in 2025 to over US$19 billion in 2032.
