OCSiAl

OCSiAl owns the only scalable technology that can synthesize graphene nanotubes (also known as single wall carbon nanotubes – SWCNTs) in industrial volumes.{{Cite web|url=https://content.yudu.com/web/1rl19/0A1rl2p/CWFeb18/flash/resources/42.htm|title=Compounding World Feb 18|website=Content.yudu.com|language=en|access-date=2018-04-09}}{{Cite web |title=About |url=http://ocsial.com/about/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=OCSiAl |language=en}} The technology is notable for producing SWCNTs in large quantities (tonnes) to enable low enough pricing for industrial applications to become economically feasible.{{Cite web |title=Low-cost scalable production and applications of single-walled carbon nanotubes « SF Bay Area Nanotechnology Council |url=https://site.ieee.org/sfbanano/2014/04/24/low-cost-scalable-production-and-applications-of-single-walled-carbon-nanotubes/ |access-date=2017-03-30 |website=IEEE |language=en-US}}

The company's initial synthesis facility, named Graphetron 1.0, produced the first industrial-scale batch of graphene nanotubes – 1.2 tonnes – in 2015, which at the time exceeded the entire volume of this material ever produced since its discovery in 1991. In February 2020, OCSiAl announced the launch of its second synthesis facility, named Graphetron 50, which is currently the world’s largest plant for graphene nanotube production. OCSiAl's current production capacity is 90 tonnes per year.{{Cite web|title=About OCSiAl|url=http://ocsial.com/about/|access-date=2021-02-12|website=OCSiAl|language=en}}

In 2022, OCSiAl was granted approval by the Luxembourg authorities for the construction of a production plant, together with an associated R&D center, in Differdange, Luxembourg. This synthesis facility is expected to be the largest of its kind and is scheduled to begin production in 2027.{{Cite web |title=OCSiAl Gears Up Growth of the Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Business |url=https://www.coatingsworld.com/issues/2024-09-01/view_russian-report/ocsial-gears-up-growth-of-the-single-wall-carbon-nanotubes-business/ |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=Coatings World}}{{Cite web |title=OCSiAl receives approval for €300M Luxembourg graphene nanotube production plant and R&D center |url=https://www.greencarcongress.com/2022/02/20220227-ocsial.html |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=Green Car Congress}}

In 2024, OCSiAl opened its first European production facility in Serbia. The facility has a stated annual capacity for graphene nanotube synthesis of 60 tonnes, with plans for expansion up to 120 tonnes by end of 2025.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-10 |title=OCSiAl eröffnet erste europäische Produktionsstätte in Serbien |url=https://www.wort.lu/wirtschaft/ocsial-eroeffnet-erste-europaeische-produktionsstaette-in-serbien/25357023.html |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=Luxemburger Wort |language=de}}

The company was established in Novosibirsk in 2010 by Russian physicists Yuri Koropachinsky, Oleg Kirillov, Yuri Zelvensky, and Mikhail Predtechensky, with funding from oligarch investors.

In December 2014, Frost & Sullivan recognized the OCSiAl Group with its 2014 North American Award for Technology Innovation for OCSiAl's TUBALL SWCNT products.[https://ww2.frost.com/news/press-releases/ocsial-group-receives-frost-sullivan-technology-innovation-award-its-game-changing-carbon-nanotube-production-process] {{dead link|date=February 2019}} The award was given for the high purity and large-scale production capability of TUBALL products, which has significantly increased the commercialization potential of single wall carbon nanotube products.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcimag.com/articles/99935-ocsial-group-receives-frost-sullivan-technology-innovation-award|title=OCSiAl Group Receives Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Award|website=Pcimag.com|access-date=30 March 2017}}

In 2015, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), a United States government program to accelerate nanotechnology commercialization, recognized OCSiAl for expanding its matching grant program (iNanoComm) for exploratory research with SWCNT.{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2015/05/20/new-initiatives-accelerate-commercialization-nanotechnology|title=New Initiatives to Accelerate the Commercialization of Nanotechnology|date=20 May 2015|website=Obamawehitehouse.archives.org|access-date=30 March 2017}}

In September 2016, OCSiAl registered its core product TUBALL through the EU's Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation under the number 01-2120130006-75-0000.{{cite web|url=http://www.envigo.com/press-news/2016/envigo-collaboration-with-ocsial-and-intertek.aspx|title=Envigo collaboration with OCSiAl and InterTek results in single wall carbon nanotubes completing REACH registration for the first time ever - Envigo|website=Envifo.com|access-date=30 March 2017|archive-date=21 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821170334/http://www.envigo.com/press-news/2016/envigo-collaboration-with-ocsial-and-intertek.aspx|url-status=dead}} As of November 2016, OCSiAl is the only company with the license to produce and commercialize up to 10 tonnes of nanotubes in Europe annually.{{cite web|url=http://www.compositesworld.com/news/single-wall-carbon-nanotubes-complete-reach-registration|title=Single-wall carbon nanotubes complete REACH registration|website=CompositesWorld.com|access-date=30 March 2017|archive-date=21 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821165918/http://www.compositesworld.com/news/single-wall-carbon-nanotubes-complete-reach-registration|url-status=dead}} In 2020, OCSiAl upgraded its dossier under the EU’s REACH legislation and expanded the volume authorized for commercialization in Europe up to 100 tonnes of TUBALL nanotubes annually.{{Cite web|date=2020-04-24|title=OCSiAl to commercialize up to 100 tonnes of single wall carbon nanotubes annually in Europe|url=http://www.jeccomposites.com/knowledge/international-composites-news/ocsial-commercialize-100-tonnes-single-wall-carbon-nanotubes|access-date=2021-02-12|website=JEC Group|language=en}}

In 2019, OCSiAl was added to the list of unicorn startup companies, a list of startup companies valued at $1 billion or more, according to CB Insights.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbinsights.com/company/ocsial|title=OCSiAl {{!}} CB Insights Global Unicorn Club}} In 2021, Daikin Industries announced its investment in OCSiAl "to globally accelerate application development of lithium ion battery materials for EV", by underwriting a capital increase through a third-party allocation of shares. In accordance with the terms of the agreement, the valuation of OCSiAl is circa $2 billion.{{Cite web|title=Daikin Global {{!}} Press Releases {{!}} Daikin Invests in OCSiAl to Globally Accelerate Application Development of Lithium Ion Battery Materials for EV|url=https://www.daikin.com/press/2021/210727/|access-date=2021-08-30|website=www.daikin.com}}

At the end of 2022, a Luxembourg court seized Rusnano's stake in OCSiAl. This was done as an interim measure in the suit of Yukos shareholders. In 2019, Rusnano owned 17.3% of the shares, in 2021, when the valuation of OCSiAl reached $2 billion, Rusnano estimated its stake at $300 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rbc.ru/business/04/04/2023/642acd5b9a79476687732e9d|title=Суд Люксембурга заморозил акции «первого единорога» «Роснано»|date=2023-04-04|website=rbc.ru}}

In October 2024, OCSiAl opened a production facility in Serbia, Europe. It comprises a TUBALL graphene nanotube synthesis unit, dispersion and concentrate production lines, a research hub, and quality control laboratories.{{Cite web |last=Jenkins |first=Scott |date=2024-10-30 |title=OCSiAl opens production facility for graphene nanotubes in Serbia |url=https://www.chemengonline.com/ocsial-opens-production-facility-for-graphene-nanotubes-in-serbia/ |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=Chemical Engineering |language=en-US}} Although the initial plan to establish a production site in Differdange was presented as a major investment intended to create more than 200 jobs in Luxembourg, the subsequent decision to relocate production to Serbia resulted in the elimination of about ten positions in Luxembourg. Some observers have criticized this strategic shift, arguing that the company prioritized economic and logistical considerations at the expense of local social benefits.

The company's core product is TUBALL, high-purity nanotubes that can be used as a universal additive for a wide range of materials.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nanotechmag.com/high-yield-technology-synthesis-high-purity-tuball-single-wall-carbon-nanotubes-nano-tech-2017-japan/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330174548/https://www.nanotechmag.com/high-yield-technology-synthesis-high-purity-tuball-single-wall-carbon-nanotubes-nano-tech-2017-japan/|archive-date=2017-03-30|title=TUBALL single wall carbon nanotubes|date=7 February 2017}}

OCSiAl produces TUBALL BATT nanotube dispersion for existing and emerging battery technologies.{{Cite web |title=How Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Are Enhancing Battery Performance |url=https://www.batterytechonline.com/materials/how-single-wall-carbon-nanotubes-are-enhancing-battery-performance |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=www.batterytechonline.com |language=en}}

OCSiAl has also developed nanotube-based concentrates that simplify graphene nanotubes use in various materials.{{cite web|url=http://content.yudu.com/web/1rl19/0A1rl2p/CWOct16/html/index.html?page=34|title=Compounding World Oct 16|website=Content.yudu.com|access-date=30 March 2017}} In 2015, the company opened a research facility focused on nanotubes applications for batteries, elastomers, paints and coatings, thermoplastic, and thermoset materials.{{cite web|url=http://rubberasia.com/2017/01/13/swcnts-revolutionary-additives/|title=SWCNTs: Revolutionary additives|date=13 January 2017|website=Rubberasia.com|access-date=30 March 2017}}

Source:{{Cite web|title=Conductive elastomers: ESD agent for durability and color|url=https://tuball.com/nanotubes-in/elastomers|access-date=2021-02-12|website=tuball.com|language=en}}

TUBALL-based masterbatches use rubber polymers, fillers and oil plasticizers as nanotube carriers, allowing performance improvements with minimal changes to the composition of a rubber compound.{{cite web|url=https://rubberasia.com/2017/01/13/swcnts-revolutionary-additives/|title=SWCNTs: Revolutionary additives|date=13 January 2017|website=Rubberasia.com|access-date=30 March 2017}} In October 2016, LANXESS and OCSiAl announced new nanotubes products targeting reinforced and conductive latex rubbers.{{cite web|url=http://polymer-additives.specialchem.com/news/product-news/cnt-conductive-additives-lanxess-ocsial-k2016-000184159|title=CNT-based Conductive Additives - LANXESS & OCSiAl at K 2016|website=Polymer-additives.specialchem.com|access-date=30 March 2017}}

In 2022, OCSiAl announced a new product created as a result of co-development of a nanotube solution together with Daikin Industries to increase the durability and resistance to extreme conditions of fluoropolymer components.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-09 |title=OCSiAl, Daikin develop 'highly durable' graphene nanotube technology |url=https://www.rubbernews.com/news/ocsial-daikin-industries-improve-fluoroelastomer-properties |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=Rubber News |language=en}}

Source:{{Cite web|title=Single wall CNT cells: high energy density anodes & cathodes|url=https://tuball.com/nanotubes-in/li-ion-batteries|access-date=2021-02-12|website=tuball.com|language=en}}

Applied in lithium-ion battery anodes, TUBALL graphene nanotubes allow manufacturers to use fast-charging, energy-dense silicon, which has over nine times the energy density of traditionally-used graphite, in the mass production of lithium-ion battery cells. Previously, the use of silicon was limited by the problem of its expansion during charging and discharging, which led to battery degradation. OCSiAl’s nanotubes create long, flexible, conductive, strong bridges to keep silicon anode particles well connected to each other even during severe volume expansion and cracking.{{Cite journal |last1=Park |first1=Sang-Hoon |last2=King |first2=Paul J. |last3=Tian |first3=Ruiyuan |last4=Boland |first4=Conor S. |last5=Coelho |first5=João |last6=Zhang |first6=Chuanfang (John) |last7=McBean |first7=Patrick |last8=McEvoy |first8=Niall |last9=Kremer |first9=Matthias P. |last10=Daly |first10=Dermot |last11=Coleman |first11=Jonathan N. |title=High areal capacity battery electrodes enabled by segregated nanotube networks |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-019-0398-y |journal=Nature Energy |year=2019 |language=en |volume=4 |issue=7 |pages=560–567 |doi=10.1038/s41560-019-0398-y |bibcode=2019NatEn...4..560P |s2cid=189928819 |issn=2058-7546|hdl=2262/86861 |hdl-access=free }} This leads to long-lasting, faster-charging high-performance batteries for electric vehicles.{{Cite web |date=2022-02-25 |title=OCSiAl receives green light for Luxembourg graphene nanotube facility |url=https://www.bestmag.co.uk/ocsial-receives-green-light-for-luxembourg-graphene-nanotube-facility/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=Best Magazine |language=en}}

In 2021, Daikin Industries became a shareholder of OCSiAl, and announced its intention to make progress on improving lithium-ion batteries, an extremely important element in electromobility.{{Cite web |date=2021-09-04 |title=Graphene Nanotubes to Improve Lithium Ion Batteries |url=https://greenracingnews.com/graphene-nanotubes-to-improve-lithium-ion-batteries/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=Green Racing news |language=en-US}}

TUBALL nanotubes bring performance improvements to Li-ion and lead–acid batteries, and to supercapacitors and fuel cells.[http://www.batteriesinternational.com/carbon-nanotubes-create-spectacular-improvement-in-lead-acid-batteries/] {{dead link|date=February 2019}} In these applications SWCNT has the potential to replace carbon black and other carbon-based additives, with a study by Aleees demonstrating 10% higher volumetric energy density and decreasing cathode thickness by 18% in 10 Ah pouch cells.{{cite web|url=https://www.electrical-energy-storage.events/en/news-press.html|title=News & Press - ees Global|website=Electrical-energy-storage.events|access-date=9 February 2019}} In another study by Aleees, SWCNT-coated foils showed an increase in energy delivered to cells by 0-252%, depending on the discharge rate. In trials of lead-acid batteries 0.001% of SWCNT in the electrode paste increased cycle life and rate capability five-fold.{{cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279178145|title=SWCNT vs MWCNT and Nanofibers. Applications in Lithium-Ion Batteries and Transparent Conductive Films (PDF Download Available)|website=Researchgate.net|access-date=30 March 2017}}

Source:{{Cite web|title=Conductive thermoset resin: ESD agent for reinforcement, color|url=https://tuball.com/nanotubes-in/thermosets|access-date=2021-02-12|website=tuball.com|language=en}}

TUBALL nanotubes provide conductivity to colored and transparent coatings with minimal impact on color or transparency, while maintaining or increasing mechanical properties.{{cite web|url=http://www.coatingsworld.com/contents/view_live-from-shows/2016-12-12/ocsial-moves-beyond-regular-conductivity-in-coatings-with-single-wall-carbon-nanotubes/|title=OCSiAl Moves Beyond Regular Conductivity in Coatings with Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes|website=Coatingsworld.com|access-date=30 March 2017}} Conductivity may be employed for ESD-control properties or electrostatic painting methods.{{cite web|url=http://www.coatingsworld.com/issues/2017-01-01/view_russian-report/single-wall-carbon-nanotubes-looks-promising-for-global-coating-industry/|title=Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Looks Promising for Global Coating Industry|website=Coatingsworld.com|access-date=30 March 2017}}

In 2021, a leading Canadian producer in its field, Erie Powder Coatings has developed a variety of powder coatings for EMI and RFI applications using TUBALL graphene nanotubes from OCSiAl.{{Cite web |title=Graphene Nanotubes Provide Shortcut to Add Conductivity to Powder Coatings |url=https://www.coatingsworld.com/issues/2021-10-01/view_breaking-news/graphene-nanotubes-provide-shortcut-to-add-conductivity-to-powder-coatings/ |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=Coatings World}}

The same year, OCSiAl, BÜFA Composite Systems, and TIGER Coatings co-developed gelcoats enhanced with graphene nanotubes that impart conductivity to the gelcoat and make it receptive to powder coating.{{Cite web |title=Graphene nanotube-enhanced gelcoats enable powder coating |url=https://www.compositesworld.com/products/graphene-nanotube-enhanced-gelcoats-enable-powder-coating |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=www.compositesworld.com |language=en}}

Source:

In November 2016, OCSiAl announced an agreement with BÜFA Composite Systems in Europe to provide TUBALL nanotubes and TUBALL MATRIX nanotube concentrates for BÜFA-developed resin formulations.{{cite web|url=http://polymer-additives.specialchem.com/news/industry-news/nanotubebased-modifiers-production-000184727|title=BÜFA & OCSiAl Sign MoU for Nanotube-based Modifiers|website=Polymer-additives.specialchem.com|access-date=30 March 2017}} In 2017 BÜFA hit the market with its line of conductive gelcoats with colored, smooth and glossy surfaces. There are some particular applications where nanotube-based gelcoats can almost completely replace standard gelcoats. Pipes and tanks for chemicals, ventilation systems, printing rollers, control boxes for electronics, floor coatings at industrial production plants, tooling gelcoats and resins for composites, to name just a few.{{Cite news|url=https://www.coatingsworld.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2018-04-06/ocsial-bufa-develop-tuball-nanotubes|title=OCSiAl, BÜFA Develop TUBALL Nanotubes|work=Coatings World|access-date=2018-04-09}} The companies noted that using graphene nanotubes in composites provides a conductive and reinforcing network at low loadings, enabling conductive parts to retain color and improve mechanical strength.

At the start of 2022, OCSiAl launched a new TUBALL MATRIX 822 graphene nanotube concentrate specifically designed for PA, filled PPS, ABS, TPU, and PC compounds for injection moulding. The new nanotube product enables in-line e-painting of plastic exterior parts together with metal components using electrophoresis, where previously, separate production lines were required.{{Cite web |title=OCSiAl launches graphene nanotube concentrate for high-quality thermoplastic auto parts |url=https://www.compositesworld.com/products/ocsial-launches-graphene-nanotube-concentrate-for-high-quality-thermoplastic-auto-parts |access-date=2022-03-04 |website=www.compositesworld.com |language=en}}

{{Reflist}}

• [http://www.ocsial.com OCSiAl website]
• [http://tuball.com/ TUBALL nanotubes website]

Category:Nanotechnology companies