Independent technology researcher IDTechEx has released a report stating that carbon allotropes are disrupting the conductive additives market for lithium-ion cells. This includes conventional materials such as carbon black and graphite, and novel materials such as nanofibres, carbon nanotubes (CNT) and graphene.
The firm said carbon allotropes are essential materials for lithium-ion batteries as they provide conductive pathways within the electrode to ensure proper electrical conductivity.
Developments within the segment could be influential for manufacturers looking to improve energy density, lifetime, charging rates and other aspects of the batteries. It predicts that the conductive additive market will be worth over $1.5 billion by 2036.
Conductive additives are inactive components within a lithium-ion cell, as they do not take part in the core working mechanisms of the cell, but they add weight and volume to the cell, which can affect energy density.
The report states that manufacturers are looking towards conductive additives with a lower weight that could lead to a lighter and more energy-dense cell.
The ideal conductive additives are highly electrically conductive for use at lower loadings, with a high surface area.
Manufacturers are said to be looking towards CNTs and graphene, as well as nanofibers, as an alternative to established materials like carbon black and graphite.
These carbon allotropes can be used in a wide spectrum of potential production methods, with differing physical properties, and performance differentiation.
They can be used in lower loadings compared to conventional materials but the exact loading quantity and material price are wide-ranging. Single-walled CNTs can cost 2 to 3 times more per kilogram than multi-walled CNTs.
Image: A diagram showing the use of carbon allotropes as conductive additives. Credit: IDTechEx.
