[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Sangjin] LG Chem has temporarily suspended the construction of its fourth carbon nanotube (CNT) plant, which began in May last year.

According to industry reports on the 10th, LG Chem recently halted the construction of the CNT 4 plant in Daesan, South Chungcheong Province, which was set to be the largest of its kind in Korea, with an annual production capacity of 3,200 tons. Due to this suspension, the initial operational target, which was set for the first quarter of next year, is likely to be delayed.

CNT is a next-generation material with electrical and thermal conductivity on par with copper and diamond, and its strength is 100 times that of steel. It has a wide range of applications, including in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, conductive coatings, automotive electrostatic coatings, and flexible heating elements.

The 4th plant was originally intended to supply CNT for use as a conductive additive in battery cathodes to companies, including LG Energy Solution. However, with the electric vehicle market currently facing a downturn, resulting in reduced battery production, LG Chem determined that completing the plant was not urgent. The company plans to resume construction depending on future market conditions in the EV battery sector.

 

 

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