Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL)

Dispersions Hold the Key for Carbon Nanotube Success

This article covers the importance of dispersion technology for enabling carbon nanotube enhanced technology, including energy storage and composites. IDTechEx discusses the key applications requiring CNT dispersions, commercial successes and technical challenges.

OCSiAl

OCSiAl (Luxembourg) are the largest single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) producer in the world, with a capacity of 135 tpa.

Cnano

Jiangsu Cnano Technology (Cnano) are a significant market player for MWCNTs and have historically been a leader by both volume and revenue.

Battery Materials Security and the Rise of Vertical Integration

Surging battery demand is creating significant opportunities for raw material suppliers, particularly those adapting to battery-specific needs. Along the battery value chain, players are increasingly pursuing vertical integration strategies to capture greater value.

Sodium-ion: The Three Big Promises of Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries offer a promising alternative to lithium-ion, with advantages in mineral abundance, system compatibility, and safety. They provide a cost-effective, scalable solution with lower material costs and reduced supply chain risks. Despite lower energy density, sodium-ion cells benefit from existing manufacturing infrastructure. Safety benefits include reduced fire risks and enhanced thermal stability. Key strategies for success include improving energy densities, competing on total cost of ownership, and targeting niche performance areas such as low temperature and high-power applications.

China Pushes Ahead in Battery Technology Race

This article discusses battery innovations in China and the role next-generation battery technologies play in improving battery performance and in enabling Europe and North America to build competitive battery industries.

Sodium-ion: The Battery Built for Trade Resilience

In a world where energy security increasingly intertwines with national security, the global battery supply chain has become a critical focal point of international tensions. As trade barriers rise and geopolitical rivalries intensify, sodium-ion battery technology emerges as a strategic alternative that promises greater self-reliance and reduced vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.

JEIO

JEIO are a Korean manufacturer of carbon nanotubes. IDTechEx caught up with JEIO in Q2 2025.

Sodium-ion Batteries for Grid-Scale Applications

Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a promising solution for grid-scale energy storage, particularly in applications like time shifting, congestion relief, flexible ramping, and frequency regulation, where efficiency and cycle life are crucial. While lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries currently dominate due to low costs and widespread adoption, Na-ion offers advantages in high C-rate performance and long-duration storage (4-10 hours). Although installed capacity remains below 300 MWh in China as of early 2025, ongoing demonstration projects and new product launches could drive further adoption. Key players like CATL, HiNa, BYD, Great Power, and Hithium are improving energy density, cycle life, and temperature performance, aiming to bring Na-ion closer to LFP parity by 2026. Additionally, U.S. research initiatives, including the Sodium-Ion Alliance for Grid Energy Storage (SAGES) and Argonne's $50M consortium, are working to develop low-cost, high-performance Na-ion batteries for stationary applications. As cost reductions, scaling, and technological advancements continue, sodium-ion could become a competitive alternative in grid-scale storage markets.

Micro EVs: Lead-Acid Batteries on The Way Out, Li-ion to Dominate

Early electrification work for micro EVs was carried out using Pb-acid batteries, but a fast transition toward Li-ion dominance is now underway. This article highlights key factors that will drive this critical transition over the next 20 years.

Next-Generation Battery Technologies Key to Accessing US$400b Market

The global market for Li-ion battery cells alone is forecast to exceed US$400 billion by 2035. This article highlights the importance of cathode materials and next-generation Li-ion technologies in improving battery performance and diversifying Li-ion battery material supply chains.