OCSiAl supplies TUBALL nanotubes to ELEVATE effort targeting >400 Wh/kg aviation cells

# What happened OCSiAl is contributing its TUBALL single-wall carbon nanotubes to ELEVATE, a Horizon Europe research project. ELEVATE's stated technical goal is to develop aviation-grade lithium-ion cells with specific energy greater than 400 Wh/kg, a level often cited as necessary for commercially viable electric regional aircraft. OCSiAl is one of 11 partners in the consortium.

# Why it matters

# What OCSiAl says the nanotubes do OCSiAl describes several concrete functions for single-wall carbon nanotubes in battery electrodes:

• Form conductive bridges between active-material particles, increasing overall electrical conductivity at very low additive loadings.
• Reinforce the electrode microstructure to improve mechanical integrity and bending flexibility.
• Reduce electrode swelling during charge/discharge cycles and minimize spring-back after calendering, which helps maintain contact and density.

The company framed these effects as ways to overcome challenges in conductivity, mechanical integrity, and cycle life. An internal company quote included in the project announcement said, "At ultralow loadings, single-wall carbon nanotubes create conductive reinforcing networks throughout the electrode, helping overcome key challenges related to conductivity, mechanical integrity, and cycle life." (Andrej Seniut, Head of Energy Projects at OCSiAl.)

# How this fits into the consortium's technical approach

# Application and industry context Aviation is identified as the initial application for the cells developed under ELEVATE. The announcement notes that results could also strengthen Europe's wider battery sector by advancing materials and manufacturing approaches relevant beyond aircraft cells. Separately, the piece mentions that OCSiAl was named a supplier to PowerCo for its Unified Cell battery platform in June 2026, indicating the company is already entering broader commercial supply relationships.

# Bottom line OCSiAl's participation brings its TUBALL nanotubes into an EU-funded push to produce cells above 400 Wh/kg using silicon-rich anodes and dry-coated cathodes. The company highlights nanotubes' dual role as conductive additives and mechanical reinforcements, which target the major failure modes of high-silicon electrodes and the constraints of solvent-free electrode manufacturing. The initial focus is aviation, but partners expect learnings to apply across Europe's cell industry.