Luxembourg-based nanotechnology manufacturer OCSiAl has received a construction permit for a nanotube manufacturing plant near Belgrade, Serbia.

The 120-ton-per-year nanotube synthesis factory will open in 2024 and ramp up production through 2025. The facility will synthesize nanotubes and make nanotube suspensions for lithium-ion battery makers in Europe, the US and Asia, improving the performance of over 1 million EVs with 75 kWh average battery capacity per car. OCSiAl says its nanotubes create long and robust electrical networks between active material particles. 

Graphene nanotubes allow the manufacture of high-silicon-content anodes, thick LFP cathodes, fast-charging graphite anodes and more. They can be used in dry battery electrode coating processes and solid-state batteries. The plant is planned to be certified in accordance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, and to be compliant with the IATF 16949 automotive industry standard.

“The project will facilitate logistics and lower supply chain costs. European-produced nanotubes and nanotube derivatives will be primarily supplied to our customers in central and western Europe, North America and Asia,” said OCSiAl Group Senior Vice President Gregory Gurevich.

Source: OCSiAl