OCSiAl has joined the ELEVATE project, a Horizon Europe initiative focused on creating aviation-grade battery cells. The project aims to achieve a specific energy density of over 400 Wh/kg, which is considered a critical threshold for the commercial viability of regional electric aircraft.
The consortium consists of 11 partners working on integrating silicon-rich anodes and dry-coated cathodes. OCSiAl provides its TUBALL single-wall carbon nanotubes, which function as a key material for both components. These nanotubes are designed to bridge active-material particles and reinforce the overall electrode structure.
The use of these nanotubes aims to improve electrical conductivity and mechanical stability while reducing electrode swelling during charge and discharge cycles. This approach also minimizes spring-back after the calendering process and enhances the bending flexibility of the electrodes.
While the project initially targets the aviation sector, OCSiAl anticipates that the research will bolster the competitiveness of the European battery industry as a whole. Additionally, in June 2026, OCSiAl was selected as a supplier for the Unified Cell battery platform developed by PowerCo.
