SWCNT Lithium-ion Battery Solution

Build efficient conductive & reinforcing network at ultra-low dosage to boost cathode and anode performance

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) feature an ultra-high aspect ratio. Under the same mass, the quantity of SWCNTs is more than 10 times that of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Only an extremely low loading is required to form a continuous conductive and reinforcing network, which greatly improves discharge power, energy density, electrode adhesion and safety performance of lithium-ion batteries, compatible with both cathode and silicon-based anode systems.

Core Advantages

✅ Ultra-low dosage: Ultra-high aspect ratio enables long-range interconnected 3D conductive network without occupying the space of active materials, preserving high energy density
✅ Dual function: Excellent electrical conductivity plus mechanical toughness, both electron transport and electrode structural reinforcement
✅ Dual-system compatibility: Customized performance improvement for cathode materials and silicon-based anodes
✅ Comprehensive performance promotion: Rate capability, cycle life, electrode consistency, thermal stability and cell safety are improved simultaneously
✅ Manufacturing friendly: Pre-dispersed SWCNT slurry fits existing lithium-ion battery slurry mixing, coating and calendaring lines with low modification cost

1. Application of SWCNTs in Lithium-ion Battery Cathode

Improve structural stability With high mechanical strength and thermal stability, SWCNTs buffer volume expansion/contraction during charge and discharge, suppress structural degradation and extend cycle life.
Increase specific surface area Large specific surface area provides abundant active reaction sites, accelerates lithium-ion diffusion and interfacial reaction for better rate performance.
Enhance cycling stability SWCNTs restrain active particles and prevent detachment or structural collapse during cycles, stabilizing capacity output.
Promote uniform dispersion SWCNTs act as dispersion aids to homogenize cathode active materials, reduce particle agglomeration and improve batch consistency of electrodes.
Construct 3D conductive network Form interconnected conductive pathways between particles to reduce internal resistance and accelerate ion & electron transfer for higher discharge power.
Boost energy density Optimize specific capacity utilization of cathode materials to achieve higher cell energy density.
Improve thermal management Good thermal conductivity facilitates heat transfer inside cells and avoids local hotspots.
Raise thermal safety Improve the thermal stability of cathode materials and reduce thermal runaway risk under overcharge or high-temperature conditions.
Stable interfacial CEI film Facilitate the formation of stable CEI film between cathode and electrolyte, stabilizing interfacial impedance and improving cycle performance and safety.

2. Application of SWCNTs in Lithium-ion Battery Anode (especially silicon-based anode)

Higher electrical conductivity Superior intrinsic conductivity connects discrete active particles, reduces internal resistance and realizes high-rate charge & discharge.
Extra lithium storage sites Large specific surface area offers more sites for lithium-ion intercalation to release higher capacity.
Improve cycle stability Flexible interconnected network accommodates huge volume change of silicon-based anode, preventing particle pulverization and keeping conductive pathways intact.
Homogeneous lithiation Guide uniform lithium distribution inside silicon anode, avoid local over-lithiation or under-lithiation and retain capacity steadily.
Better safety performance Optimize heat dissipation, reduce heat accumulation and lower the risk of thermal runaway.
Improve initial Coulombic efficiency Optimize the interface of silicon anode and lift the first-cycle efficiency.

Comparison Table

Item	Lithium-ion battery with SWCNT conductive additive	Lithium-ion battery with Carbon Black / MWCNT additive
Quantity under same mass	Over 10 times of MWCNT	Limited quantity, short segmented conductive units
Loading dosage	Ultra-low: 0.02–0.3 wt%	Higher dosage: 1–4 wt%
Conductive network	Long-range continuous network, hard to disconnect in cycles	Short contact conduction, easy to lose connection after cycling
Mechanical reinforcement	Strong, buffer volume expansion of cathode & anode	Weak reinforcing effect
Impact on energy density	Negligible negative impact due to ultra-low loading	High loading occupies active material volume and sacrifices energy density
Electrode adhesion	Significantly improve electrode adhesion and reduce material peeling	Limited improvement
Thermal conductivity & safety	Good heat conduction, better thermal management and thermal stability	Poor thermal conductivity
Typical use case	Fast-charging power battery, silicon anode high-energy battery, long-cycle energy storage battery	Conventional low-rate lithium-ion batteries

Application Fields

EV power batteries, fast-charging traction batteries
Energy storage lithium batteries, residential & commercial ESS
3C fast-charge batteries, drone, power tool batteries
High-energy-density lithium batteries with silicon-based anode

Specification & Delivery

SWCNT slurry: Cathode-grade conductive slurry, pre-dispersed conductive slurry for silicon anode
Custom formulation: High-rate grade, long-cycle grade, high-energy-density silicon anode grade
Technical service: Electrode & cell prototyping, electrochemical characterization (rate, cycle, thermal safety test), third-party test reports available