- Shanshan has developed a cutting-edge, fast-charging grade of synthetic graphite for Li-ion battery cells, enhanced with OCSiAl’s single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) both on the surface of the graphite anode particles and inside their structure.
- The enhanced graphite demonstrates superior electrical conductivity and exceptional thermal dissipation properties at high temperatures during charge/discharge cycles.
- The companies are in discussion on a long-term supply agreement for TUBALL™ single wall carbon nanotubes, which are already used by Shanshan in smartphone battery cells, with expansion into the electric vehicle (EV) battery market expected to follow.
The commercialization of a new fast-charging grade of synthetic graphite for Li-ion battery cells has been announced by Shanshan, the world leader in synthetic graphite production, which is widely used by leading cell manufacturers worldwide. This advanced electrode material is enhanced with single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) from Luxembourg’s OCSiAl, integrated both on the surface and throughout the volume of the graphite anode particles, and is expected to further elevate performance in applications demanding high performance.
“Single wall carbon nanotubes stand out from other conductive agents due to their unique properties: unparalleled electrical and thermal conductivity, length, and flexibility, and the ability to form conductive reinforcing networks in materials at a very low dosage,” said Loyes Zhi, General Manager of OCSiAl Greater China. “Regarding the effects of enhancing graphite anode particles with SWCNTs, this results in higher electrical conductivity of the graphite anode and an improved ability to dissipate heat, thus allowing the battery cells with such graphite anodes to withstand higher charging and discharging currents without overheating.”
The new grade of graphite anode with single wall carbon nanotubes has already been adopted by leading Li-ion battery cell makers for consumer electronic applications, and Shanshan is now preparing to introduce the technology into the EV battery sector.
“Through technological breakthroughs, Shanshan’s R&D team has successfully integrated SWCNTs, ensuring system compatibility, stability, and uniformity. By directly applying nanotubes to the functional coating, they have overcome mass production challenges. This SWCNT-coated graphite anode enhances energy density, charging speed, and cycle life, delivering a comprehensive performance upgrade for battery cells,” said Jiang Jingcheng, Head of Shanshan Supply Chain. One of the key upcoming technological advancements is a next-generation silicon-carbon composite anode solution. OCSiAl nanotubes have already gained industry recognition for their ability to extend the cycle life of silicon anodes and reduce internal cell resistance.
Two companies are in discussions for a long-term contract to supply single wall carbon nanotubes for Shanshan projects. The companies are also expanding their technical collaboration to boost battery performance and develop next-generation energy materials.