Strategic Partnership for Advanced Battery Technology
Zeon Corporation and Sino Applied Technology (SiAT) have signed a strategic partnership agreement in Taoyuan, Taiwan, to enhance the production of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) conductive paste. This collaboration is set to boost the development of next-generation lithium batteries for electric vehicles.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
- Zeon will lead a $20 million USD Series C fundraising round in SiAT.
- The funds will support SiAT’s expansion of its SWCNT conductive paste production capacity.
- The partnership aims to meet the growing demand for advanced battery technologies in consumer and industrial applications.
The Role of SWCNT Conductive Paste in Lithium Batteries
The global demand for lithium-ion batteries is surging across various sectors, including electric vehicles, drones, EVTOL aircraft, AI server BBUs, renewable energy ESS, and automated robotics. SWCNT conductive paste is crucial for enhancing battery energy density and cycle life. Unlike traditional conductive agents, SWCNT offers superior electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and chemical stability, making it vital for advanced battery formulations.
Challenges and Solutions in SWCNT Production and Dispersion
Mass-producing SWCNT powder is challenging due to the high-temperature chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Zeon, having achieved mass production of SWCNTs in 2015 using its proprietary Super Growth technology, produces ZEONANO®, a high-quality SWCNT product. Another challenge is the dispersion of SWCNTs, which tend to bundle and exhibit poor dispersibility. SiAT, with over 20 years of expertise in battery nanomaterials, brings proprietary know-how to disperse SWCNTs into stable conductive paste products.
Collaborative Achievements and Future Plans
Since 2024, Zeon and SiAT have collaborated to introduce well-dispersed SWCNT conductive pastes, including LSC2102 (NMP-based) and LSC1101 (water-based). These products have undergone rigorous evaluation by battery manufacturers, demonstrating enhanced energy output and cycle life for lithium battery cathodes and anodes. With the $20 million Series C funding, SiAT aims to scale its annual conductive paste production capacity to 25,000 tons by 2030. Zeon will serve as the primary supplier to SiAT.
Broader Implications of SWCNT Technology
Beyond battery applications, SWCNTs have transformative potential across multiple industries, including metal, rubber, and plastic composites, semiconductors, and more. The partnership between Zeon and SiAT aims to contribute to environmental sustainability and technological progress for global green transition.
