Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Conductive Paste

What Is Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Conductive Paste?

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Conductive Paste is an advanced conductive dispersion made from high-purity single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), specialized dispersants, and a compatible solvent system. It is designed to create highly efficient conductive networks at extremely low addition levels, improving electrical conductivity and reducing resistance in lithium-ion batteries, conductive coatings, flexible electronics, and other advanced material applications.

Unlike traditional conductive additives such as conductive carbon black and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), SWCNT Conductive Paste utilizes the unique one-dimensional structure and ultra-high aspect ratio of SWCNTs to build continuous electron transport pathways. Even at very low loading levels, SWCNTs can connect active material particles and form an effective conductive network, helping manufacturers reduce inactive additive content and improve overall material performance.

At SIOResin®, we develop both Water-Based SWCNT Conductive Paste and NMP-Based SWCNT Conductive Paste solutions to meet different application requirements.

What Is Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT)?

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) is a one-dimensional carbon nanomaterial formed by rolling a single graphene sheet into a seamless cylindrical structure.

The structure is simple but powerful. A SWCNT typically has a diameter of approximately 1–2 nanometers, while its length can extend from several micrometers to much longer dimensions. This creates an extremely high aspect ratio, which may reach tens of thousands.

This unique geometry gives SWCNTs exceptional conductive efficiency. A small amount of SWCNT material can connect multiple particles and create a continuous conductive pathway throughout a composite system.

Formation of Continuous Conductive Networks

When SWCNT Conductive Paste is introduced into an electrode slurry or polymer formulation, the nanotubes distribute between active particles or polymer chains. Because of their extremely high aspect ratio, individual SWCNTs can bridge multiple particles and create interconnected conductive pathways.

These pathways provide:

• Faster electron movement;
• Lower electrical resistance;
• Improved charge transfer efficiency.

In lithium-ion batteries, this conductive network helps electrons move more efficiently between active materials and current collectors.

Ultra-Low Percolation Threshold

One of the most important characteristics of SWCNTs is their low percolation threshold. The percolation threshold refers to the minimum amount of conductive material needed to create a continuous conductive network. For many lithium battery systems, typical SWCNT addition levels are approximately: 0.03–0.08 wt%

The exact dosage depends on:

• Electrode chemistry;
• Active material loading;
• Binder system;
• Required electrochemical performance.

Compared with traditional conductive additives that may require significantly higher loading levels, SWCNTs can achieve conductivity improvement while minimizing the amount of inactive material. This creates opportunities for Higher energy density, Thinner electrodes and Improved material utilization.

Why Dispersion Technology Matters

SWCNTs have strong van der Waals interactions. Without proper treatment, nanotubes naturally attract each other and form bundles. Poor dispersion can lead to:

• Uneven conductive networks;
• Increased viscosity;
• Coating defects;
• Reduced electrical performance.

At SIOResin, we use advanced multi-stage dispersion processes, including high-shear mixing and high-pressure homogenization, to achieve stable SWCNT distribution. Our goal is simple: Deliver a conductive paste that customers can integrate into their existing manufacturing processes with minimal adjustment.

SIOResin® SWCNT Conductive Paste Solutions

H-3232W Water-Based Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Conductive Paste

We developed H-3232W Water-Based SWCNT Conductive Paste for customers who are looking for a cleaner and more sustainable electrode processing solution. Many battery manufacturers are moving toward water-based manufacturing systems to reduce environmental impact and simplify solvent management.

Price: USD $22.00/KG      Download TDS File  

H-3232W uses:

• High-purity SWCNTs;
• Specially developed water-based dispersant technology;
• Deionized water as the only solvent.

The product provides:

• Zero organic solvent emission;
• Excellent dispersion stability;
• Low aggregation tendency;
• Compatibility with water-based electrode processes.

H-3232W is particularly suitable for:

• LFP cathode systems;
• Water-based lithium battery manufacturing;
• Environmentally friendly electrode production.

For battery manufacturers evaluating new conductive additive technologies, H-3232W provides an opportunity to test how SWCNT networks can improve conductivity while maintaining a sustainable production approach. We welcome customers to evaluate H-3232W in their own electrode formulations and processing conditions.

H-3232S NMP-Based Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Conductive Paste

For customers using conventional NMP-based lithium battery manufacturing processes, we developed H-3232S NMP-Based SWCNT Conductive Paste.

Price: USD $22.00/KG      Download TDS File  

H-3232S is designed for excellent compatibility with:

• PVDF binder systems;
• NMP-based cathode slurries;
• High-performance lithium battery applications.

Key features include:

• Electronic-grade NMP solvent;
• Low viscosity for processing flexibility;
• Excellent dispersion stability;
• Moisture content ≤1000 ppm;
• Low metallic impurity levels.

H-3232S is suitable for:

• NCM/NCA cathodes;
• LCO batteries;
• High-energy-density lithium-ion batteries;
• Conductive coating applications.

For customers who already operate NMP-based electrode production lines, H-3232S can be directly evaluated within existing slurry preparation processes. We provide samples for customers who want to verify Conductivity improvement,Dispersion performance,Slurry compatibility and Electrode processing behavior.

Why Choose Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Conductive Paste?

As battery technologies move toward higher energy density, faster charging, and longer cycle life, conventional conductive additives such as conductive carbon black and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) face increasing performance limitations. Higher loading levels are often required to achieve sufficient conductivity, reducing the space available for active materials.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Conductive Paste provides a more efficient conductive solution by forming continuous conductive networks at extremely low addition levels. Thanks to the unique one-dimensional structure and ultra-high aspect ratio of SWCNTs, a small amount of nanotubes can effectively connect active material particles and improve electron transport throughout the electrode or composite system.

In lithium-ion battery applications, typical SWCNT addition levels are approximately 0.03–0.08 wt%, depending on electrode chemistry and formulation requirements. This ultra-low loading helps reduce inactive material content while maintaining excellent conductivity, supporting higher energy density and improved battery performance.

SWCNT conductive paste is especially valuable for high-rate and long-life battery systems. The flexible conductive network helps reduce internal resistance, maintain stable electron pathways, and improve performance in applications such as LFP, NCM/NCA, and silicon-carbon composite anodes.

For silicon-based anodes, where volume expansion can reach approximately 300% during charging and discharging, SWCNT networks can help maintain electrical connections and improve cycle stability.

Beyond lithium batteries, SWCNT conductive paste is also suitable for conductive coatings, EMI shielding materials, antistatic coatings, conductive inks, and polymer composites. With excellent conductivity, low loading requirements, and broad formulation compatibility, SWCNT conductive paste is becoming an important conductive material for next-generation energy storage and advanced functional applications.

Applications of SWCNT Conductive Paste

Due to its excellent electrical conductivity, ultra-low loading requirement, and strong network-forming capability, Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Conductive Paste is being adopted in a wide range of advanced material applications. Currently, lithium-ion batteries represent one of the most important application areas, while conductive coatings, flexible electronics, and other electrochemical devices are also emerging markets.

1. Lithium-Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are the primary application field for SWCNT conductive paste. In electrode formulations, SWCNTs act as highly efficient conductive additives by building interconnected conductive pathways between active material particles. This helps reduce electrode resistance, improve charge transfer efficiency, and enhance battery performance under high-rate operating conditions.

SWCNT conductive paste can be used in various battery systems, including lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), nickel-rich ternary materials (NCM/NCA), graphite anodes, and silicon-carbon composite anodes. In particular, the flexible conductive network formed by SWCNTs provides significant advantages for silicon-based anodes, where maintaining electrical connectivity during large volume changes is a major challenge.

2. Conductive Coatings and Functional Materials

Beyond battery applications, SWCNT conductive paste is also widely explored in advanced coating and composite material systems. Because SWCNTs can achieve excellent conductivity at very low addition levels, they help maintain the original mechanical properties, flexibility, and appearance of coating systems while adding electrical functionality.

These properties make SWCNT conductive paste suitable for applications such as antistatic coatings, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding coatings, conductive inks, flexible conductive films, and conductive polymer composites. In these applications, SWCNTs provide efficient conductive pathways without significantly increasing material weight or affecting coating performance.

3. Flexible Electronics and Advanced Energy Storage

The combination of electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and nanoscale structure makes SWCNT conductive paste attractive for next-generation electronic and energy storage technologies. It can be used in applications such as flexible sensors, transparent or semi-transparent conductive materials, supercapacitors, hybrid capacitors, and emerging battery systems.

As industries continue to develop lighter, thinner, and more efficient electronic devices, SWCNT-based conductive materials are expected to play an increasingly important role in advanced functional materials.

Water-Based vs NMP-Based SWCNT Conductive Paste

Different manufacturing systems require different conductive paste solutions. At SIOResin, we developed two SWCNT conductive paste products to meet different customer requirements:

Feature	H-3232W Water-Based SWCNT Conductive Paste	H-3232S NMP-Based SWCNT Conductive Paste
Solvent System	Water-based	NMP-based
Organic Solvent	None	Electronic-grade NMP
Main Battery System	Water-based electrode slurry	PVDF/NMP electrode slurry
Typical Application	LFP and water-based processes	NCM/NCA/LCO and oil-based systems
Key Advantage	Sustainable, zero organic solvent system	Excellent compatibility with conventional lithium battery production
Moisture Control	Standard water-based system	≤1000 ppm moisture

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Conductive Paste?

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) Conductive Paste is a conductive dispersion containing high-purity SWCNTs, dispersants, and a compatible solvent system. It creates efficient conductive networks at very low loading levels and is widely used in lithium batteries, conductive coatings, and advanced composite materials.

2. Why are SWCNTs better than carbon black or MWCNT as conductive additives?

SWCNTs have a smaller diameter and much higher aspect ratio compared with conventional conductive materials. This allows them to form conductive networks at lower addition levels, reducing inactive material content while maintaining excellent electrical performance.

3. What is the typical addition level of SWCNT Conductive Paste in lithium batteries?

The typical SWCNT addition level is approximately 0.03–0.08 wt%, depending on electrode chemistry, active material loading, binder system, and performance requirements.

4. Can SWCNT Conductive Paste improve silicon-carbon anode performance?

Yes. SWCNTs can form flexible conductive networks around silicon particles and help maintain electrical pathways during silicon volume expansion and contraction, improving cycle stability.

5. Can SWCNT Paste be used in conductive coatings?

Yes. SWCNT Paste can be used in antistatic coatings, electromagnetic shielding coatings, conductive inks, and polymer composite materials due to its excellent conductivity and low loading requirements.

About SIOResin

SIOResin(Guangzhou SIO New Material) is a leading manufacture specializing in developping sustainable products and technologies in new material field. We provide professional solutions regarding water-based polyurethane, water-based acrylic resin, water-based UV-curing resin, silicone resin, polyethylenimine (PEI), polysilazane resin, additives and curing Agents etc., which have been widely applied in various industries, such as coatings, cosmetics, textiles, biology, automotive and other high-tech industries.

Please feel free to contact us via Email sales@sioresin.com if you would like to learn more about our products or request samples!