- OCSiAl’s single wall carbon nanotubes enable battery technologies expected to power the next generation of electric regional aircraft.
- The technology supports silicon-rich anodes and dry-coated cathodes, targeting aviation-grade battery cells exceeding 400 Wh/kg.
- OCSiAl is contributing to the development through a Horizon Europe project bringing together leading battery and aviation innovators
Electric regional aircraft require a new generation of batteries capable of delivering substantially higher energy density without compromising safety. To help make this possible, OCSiAl is contributing its single wall carbon nanotube technology to an ELEVATE project by Horizon Europe.
“OCSiAl’s single wall carbon nanotubes serve as enablers for silicon-rich anodes and dry-coated cathodes—two next-generation battery approaches expected to deliver energy density exceeding 400 Wh/kg while supporting more sustainable, solvent-free manufacturing,” said Andrej Seniut, Head of Energy Projects at OCSiAl. “At ultralow loadings, single wall carbon nanotubes create conductive reinforcing networks throughout the electrode, helping overcome key challenges related to conductivity, mechanical integrity, and cycle life.”
The consortium brings together leading players from across Europe’s battery and aviation value chain. UniverCell contributes its expertise in advanced cell development and manufacturing, while aircraft developer Vaeridion provides the direct link to future electric aviation applications. Other consortium partners, OCSiAl, Daikin Chemical Europe, Technische Universität Braunschweig, EURA, Uppsala University, CIDETEC, Addionics, IKA, and LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung, bring expertise in advanced materials, battery technologies, and manufacturing solutions. By combining capabilities across the entire development chain, from materials and cell design to production processes and aircraft integration, the consortium aims to accelerate the transition from laboratory-scale battery innovations to next-generation electric aviation platforms.
Although the project’s first target is electric aviation, the technologies being developed are expected to have a much broader impact. Beyond aircraft, they are expected to accelerate the development of safer, lighter, and more energy-dense batteries across multiple electrification industries.