Zeon and SiAT Partner to Advance Carbon Nanotube Tech for EV Batteries
The next wave of electrification is picking up speed, and at its core lies a strategic partnership that’s turning heads across the global battery sector.
Zeon Corporation, a Japanese chemical powerhouse, and Taiwan’s nanomaterial innovator, Sino Applied Technology (SiAT), have joined forces to turbocharge the development and commercialisation of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) conductive pastes—a critical ingredient in next-generation lithium batteries.
This move isn’t just a business deal. It’s a significant step towards enhancing battery technologies that power electric vehicles, energy storage systems, robotics, and more. As the EV market grows exponentially and high-capacity battery performance becomes non-negotiable, this collaboration positions both players at the heart of the green energy transition.
High Stakes in Nanotech
Zeon is investing a hefty $20 million as the lead in SiAT’s Series C fundraising round. The funds will be channelled into expanding production capacity for SiAT’s proprietary SWCNT conductive paste, a game-changing material that dramatically improves battery performance.
What makes SWCNTs so special? Unlike conventional agents like carbon black or multi-walled nanotubes, these ultra-thin carbon tubes offer:
- Exceptional electrical conductivity
- Outstanding mechanical strength
- Robust chemical stability
These attributes allow lithium-ion batteries to operate at higher energy densities and enjoy longer lifespans—a win for applications that demand endurance, from EVs to grid-scale storage.
The Zeon-SiAT Technological Edge
Mass-producing SWCNTs is no walk in the park. The material must be synthesised using high-temperature chemical vapour deposition (CVD), a complex process that hinges on tightly controlled reaction conditions. Zeon, however, cracked the code in 2015 by becoming the world’s first company to scale up SWCNT manufacturing. Their proprietary Super Growth method underpins their ZEONANO® product line, known for its ultra-high purity and enormous surface area.
Then there’s the issue of dispersion. SWCNTs, due to their strong van der Waals forces, love to clump together—a nightmare for manufacturers trying to integrate them into uniform battery electrodes. Enter SiAT, armed with two decades of expertise in battery nanomaterials and a bag of proprietary tricks that ensure even dispersion. That’s what makes their conductive pastes, such as LSC2102 (NMP-based) and LSC1101 (water-based), a cut above.
Real-World Validation and Global Scale-Up
These pastes aren’t just theoretical marvels. Since 2024, they’ve been trialled by leading battery manufacturers and delivered results that speak volumes. A small dash of SWCNT in lithium cathodes and silicon anodes can make a noticeable difference, boosting both energy output and cycle longevity.
And it’s not just talk. With Zeon’s backing, SiAT is aiming to ramp up its annual conductive paste output to 25,000 tonnes by 2030. Zeon, naturally, will play a key role as their primary SWCNT supplier.
Market Drivers and Industry Impact
Global demand for lithium-ion batteries is through the roof. EVs, drones, energy storage systems (ESS), AI servers, and next-gen robotics are all pushing the envelope. As the industry shifts toward high-capacity, high-efficiency battery chemistries, materials like SWCNTs are no longer fringe science—they’re essentials.
Moreover, SiAT’s solutions dovetail perfectly with the increasing interest in silicon anodes, which offer superior capacity over traditional graphite but come with their own set of challenges. The integration of SWCNTs in such batteries may well be the silver bullet the industry has been looking for.
Beyond Batteries: A Broader Material Revolution
While battery performance is grabbing the headlines, the Zeon-SiAT partnership isn’t putting all its nanotubes in one basket. SWCNTs have applications stretching far beyond lithium cells. They’re being eyed for use in:
- High-conductivity rubber
- Heat-dissipating polymers
- Structural composites
- High-performance membranes
SiAT, with its strong IP portfolio and production scale-up plans, is strategically positioned to tap into these adjacent markets. Zeon, with its global network and R&D pedigree, provides the springboard.
Industry Credentials
Zeon Corporation is no rookie in the field. With more than 75 years under its belt and over $2.5 billion in annual revenues, the Tokyo-headquartered firm is a global force in specialty elastomers, chemicals, and C4/C5-based polymers. Their reach extends across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
SiAT, founded in 2018, may be the younger player, but it’s packed with cutting-edge know-how. With manufacturing operations in Taiwan and a fast-growing catalogue of innovations including LMFP paste, nano-silicon anode, and CNT-coated aluminium foil, it’s building a solid foundation for the battery supply chain of tomorrow.
Lighting the Path Forward
As electrification becomes the norm rather than the exception, partnerships like this are setting the gold standard. The Zeon-SiAT alliance isn’t just about technology—it’s about strategic alignment, industrial scale, and a shared vision for a cleaner, more connected world.
“Through this partnership, we’re not only expanding our material portfolio but also accelerating the green transition,” said a Zeon spokesperson. “Our combined expertise can unlock new levels of performance and sustainability.”
“Our goal is simple,” added a SiAT representative: “Deliver advanced nanomaterials that make batteries better, cheaper, and more sustainable.”
With industry giants investing and innovation driving momentum, the future of energy storage is looking a whole lot brighter.
