Inoplaztech to Build 100-Ton Annual CNT Conductive Additive Capacity

Inoplaztech is set to expand its production capacity for carbon nanotube (CNT) conductive additives to 100 tons annually. The company aims to address challenges in dry electrode manufacturing, where conventional liquid-dispersed CNT additives are unsuitable due to the absence of solvents. By employing its proprietary plasma technology, Inoplaztech disperses CNTs in powder form, targeting the dry electrode market.

CEO Lee Deok-yeon announced the mass-production plan at the K-Battery Show 2026 Materials, Parts and Equipment Conference on September 9 at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. The company intends to increase production facilities over the next three years, achieving an annual capacity of 100 tons. Funding will be sourced through fundraising and programs like Scale-up TIPS, which supports small and medium-sized ventures.

CNTs, known for enhancing electrical conductivity in batteries, require dispersion to prevent agglomeration. Traditional wet processes use solvents and dispersants, which can damage CNTs or leave residues that reduce conductivity. Inoplaztech's plasma technology disperses CNTs without solvents, minimizing agglomeration and enabling use in powder form for dry electrode manufacturing.

Inoplaztech has been validating its dry-dispersed CNTs with battery manufacturers and is now shifting focus to mass production. The company anticipates annual sales of 20 billion to 30 billion won once it reaches full production capacity.

The company is also advancing technology to enhance CNT conductivity by attaching nitrogen to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using plasma. This process aims to improve MWCNT performance, allowing them to partially replace more expensive single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Inoplaztech plans to sell nitrogen-functionalized MWCNTs by the end of the year.

Beyond CNTs, Inoplaztech is exploring plasma technology applications for other nanopowders. As battery materials like lithium iron phosphate (LFP) become finer, uniform coating technologies are increasingly necessary. The company is considering plasma-based surface coating of fine powders as a future business area.

Inoplaztech's dry plasma technology has potential applications beyond batteries, including polyethylene for battery separators, alumina fillers for semiconductor thermal management, and CNT composites for electric-vehicle tires. The technology modifies surface properties to enhance material mixing.

Founded in 2018 by researchers from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Inoplaztech specializes in nanomaterials, utilizing plasma technology to disperse aggregation-prone materials like CNTs and graphene without solvents.