Magnera Partners with U.S. Army Research Laboratory to Advance Battery Separator Technology

The cooperative research agreement will evaluate Magnera’s OmniSep™ platform for next-generation battery systems intended for defence, critical infrastructure and commercial applications.

Magnera has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory to evaluate and advance next-generation battery separator technologies.

The collaboration will focus on battery separator technology to support evolving energy requirements across defence, critical infrastructure and commercial sectors.

OmniSep Platform to Support Battery Performance and Safety

The research initiative will leverage Magnera’s OmniSep™ platform, a separator technology designed to enhance battery performance, safety and reliability in demanding operating environments.

According to the company, OmniSep™ features high ionic conductivity, superior electrolyte wettability and enhanced thermal stability. These properties are intended to support the power, efficiency and safety requirements of next-generation battery systems.

Research Targets Emerging Defence Energy Requirements

The initiative aligns with the U.S. Department of War’s growing focus on resilient energy, electrification and reliable power for distributed and contested operations.

As military systems increasingly require power-intensive capabilities, demand for safe, high-performance energy storage is growing. These applications include autonomous systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, electronic warfare, counter-unmanned aircraft systems (counter-UAS), resilient communications and directed-energy systems.

Advances in battery separator technology could help extend operational endurance, improve system performance and safety, and reduce logistical requirements across current and future defence applications.

Magnera Highlights Advanced Materials Collaboration

Curt Begle, Chief Executive Officer of Magnera, said, "Energy resilience and advanced battery technologies will play an increasingly important role in national security, infrastructure modernization, and the future of mobility," said Curt Begle, Chief Executive Officer of Magnera. "This collaboration is an investment in technologies that can enable the next generation of energy storage solutions. By combining the Army Research Laboratory's research capabilities with Magnera's advanced materials expertise, we have the opportunity to accelerate innovations with potential impact across defense, critical infrastructure, and commercial markets."

U.S. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Focus

Magnera said OmniSep™ is designed and manufactured in the United States, reflecting its focus on domestic advanced manufacturing and materials development.

The platform uses U.S.-sourced raw materials and domestic production capabilities to support supply chain resilience for mission-critical energy storage technologies. The company said these capabilities also contribute to the competitiveness of the U.S. industrial sector.