Developing higher-performance batteries
In 2025, Air Liquide accelerated its innovation activities in the Electric Vehicle (EV) battery sector. This acceleration was particularly evident in the production of cathode active materials, helping customers improve the performance and cycle stability of current and next-generation batteries. The Group has developed proprietary processes that enable the most advanced battery technologies, including solid-state batteries(1). Advanced battery recycling through innovative hydrometallurgical processes also represents a promising strategic focus.
Leveraging superconductivity to transmit electricity without loss
Superconducting cables can carry extremely large amounts of electricity with no electrical resistance and almost no energy loss. There is one condition: they must be maintained at a temperature of approximately −200°C. Air Liquide’s Turbo-Brayton technology enables this by cooling the cables with liquid nitrogen. It is at the heart of two large-scale projects: VEIR Inc.’s pilot plant in the USA, which designs superconducting cables for the data center industry, and the SupraMarine offshore wind connection project(2), managed by a consortium of French industrial and university partners.
Supporting home patients with a cough assist device
The cough assist solution developed by Air Liquide Medical Systems is intended for patients who are unable to clear bronchial secretions. The technology is protected by three patents covering not only the device’s technical components but also a user guidance interface.
The device’s “coaching mode” feature uses an illustration of a small animal, a chameleon whose chest movements are synchronized with the device’s breathing cycles. The objective is to support patients- particularly children-in coordinating their breathing with the therapy, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and adherence. In 2025, a new version dedicated to maintaining respiratory function was brought to market.
AI-powered innovation
Guided by human intelligence and powered by high-quality data, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an innovation driver for Air Liquide, and a valuable resource that enhances our teams’ operational efficiency.
In materials science, for example, Air Liquide is exploring the use of generative AI to process massive volumes of data and identify correlations that are invisible to the human eye. This predictive approach-anticipating material properties before physical testing- significantly accelerates innovation cycles.
In Healthcare, AI is also used to predict and reduce the risk of treatment discontinuation linked to the use of a medical device by patients living with sleep apnea. Activated from the first week of therapy, AI identifies patients who are likely to discontinue treatment after one month, enabling the deployment of reinforced human support. The objective is to increase device usage time, a determining factor in therapeutic effectiveness. By helping reduce comorbidities associated with sleep apnea, AI supports the development of predictive and preventive medicine, creating value for patients, healthcare professionals and healthcare systems.
CARING FOR PEOPLETCL: COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE DRIVING INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE
Created by Air Liquide in 2003, the Technical Community Leaders (TCL) program was established to identify, develop and recognize the contributions of the Group’s technical leaders.
- An evolving program : 20 years after its creation, TCL continues to reinvent itself, strengthening its impact in support of the business and operations, while enhancing the attractiveness of these career paths.
- 6 levels of expertise : from local expert to senior fellow, the program enables each TCL member to grow within their discipline and share their expertise across the Group, taking on increasingly strategic responsibilities.
- Developing TCL talent : Group training programs, the Women in TCL network, and communities of practice (CoPs) enable experts to strengthen both their technical and leadership skills.