This Japanese startup manufactures and sells high-quality "high-crystallinity, high-purity single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT)" using its proprietary technology and know-how.
High-crystallinity and high-purity carbon nanotubes are expected to be used in devices in fields such as semiconductors and cables. The investment and cooperation with SK Inc. Materials will focus on the application of carbon nanotubes in the lithium-ion battery field.
The company states that while graphite is mainly used as the anode material for conventional lithium-ion batteries, silicon is gaining attention as the next-generation anode material, with a theoretical storage capacity and driving range about ten times greater than graphite. However, the issue with silicon anodes is that their performance cannot be maintained due to severe degradation caused by charging and discharging (cycle characteristics). Using SWCNT as a conductive additive in the silicon anode can significantly improve cycle characteristics.
In the future, the two companies will collaborate to establish a mass production system for high-crystallinity, high-purity carbon nanotubes for lithium-ion batteries, primarily used in electric vehicle batteries.
SK Group, focused on oil refining, petrochemicals, telecommunications, and semiconductor businesses, and owner of lithium-ion battery manufacturer SK On, has its materials company SK Inc. Materials collaborate with Meijo Nano Carbon on carbon nanotube business. In 2021, SK Inc. Materials established a joint venture with U.S.-based Group 14 on silicon anode materials.
Meijo Nano Carbon Co., Ltd., established in 2005 as a Meijo University startup, claims to be the only company in the world with semi-mass production technology for high-crystallinity and high-purity single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). Compared to other conductive carbons, its SWCNTs have the highest conductivity and are lightweight, widely used as R&D materials in the battery, semiconductor, cable, aerospace, automotive, and petrochemical material industries.
Additionally, Belgian company OCSiAl has completed a facility in Europe with an annual production capacity of 3,000 tons of single-walled carbon nanotube dispersions.
A plant for the annual production of 3,000 tons of water-based single-walled carbon nanotube dispersions has been built in Serbia. OCSiAl launched high-content SWCNT dispersions in 2023 and plans to expand its global production and supply chain. The launch of OCSiAl's SWCNT synthesis facility and research hub in Serbia is scheduled for October 2024. OCSiAl also plans to build its largest production site in Luxembourg by 2027 to further enhance OCSiAl's supply chain in Europe.
Single-walled carbon nanotubes are important conductive agent components for silicon-based anodes and high-nickel single-crystal ternary materials and are being introduced into applications such as dry battery electrodes (DBE) and solid-state batteries (SSB).
OCSiAl is a specialized carbon nanotube company known for the development and application of its TUBALL™ single-walled carbon nanotubes. The company employs 200 people and develops and markets carbon nanotube-related business in 50 countries and regions.
Meijo Nano Carbon and OCSiAl are driving the mass production of single-walled carbon nanotubes for use in silicon-based anodes, contributing to the advancement of lithium-ion battery technology.
