With €4 million in fresh funding, Delft-based CarbonX pushes forward its innovative battery technology to provide carbon material alternative to dependence on Chinese suppliers.
This funding extension, on top of its €10 million growth funding round, was co-led by new investor Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam, managed by InnovationQuarter, alongside existing shareholders Innovation Industries and Borski Fund. The funding will drive efforts to scale battery testing capabilities, secure feedstock and offtake agreements, and prepare for a feedstock mixing facility in the Port of Rotterdam.
“A resilient battery supply chain is crucial for global electrification” said Co-founder Rutger van Raalten. “Yet, we don’t see sufficient alternatives for locally sourcing critical raw materials such as graphite. With CarbonX unique feedstock technology we do offer the necessary scale, cost efficiency and battery performance to meet demands for a growing electric future.”
Founded in 2014 as a spin-off from Delft University of Technology, CarbonX is tackling critical challenges in the global battery supply chain. With 95% of graphite – an essential battery component – sourced from China, manufacturers face significant geopolitical risks and supply chain vulnerabilities. CarbonX is positioning itself to provide a locally produced, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative, aligning with policy initiatives such as the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA) and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Led by founders Rutger van Raalten and Daniela Sordi, CarbonX offers an innovative carbon anode material that matches the cost of Chinese graphite while delivering fast charging and improved battery lifespan at the face value of reduced carbon footprint.
According to CarbonX, the material is in late-stage qualifications with several top 10 global battery manufacturers, with initial offtake agreements expected by mid-2025.
CarbonX’s technology is powered by an innovative emulsion feedstock process that seamlessly integrates into existing carbon black manufacturing plants. This results in a novel, structured carbon material with a 3D porous network that enhances electron and lithium-ion transfer, while being highly compressible for high energy densities. The entire process consumes significantly less energy compared to synthetic or natural graphite production, reducing both costs and environmental impact.
Daniela Sordi, CTO of CarbonX explains “Our feedstock technology seamlessly integrates into existing carbon black manufacturing plants resulting in the production of a novel structured carbon material that functions as an active anode material, like graphite. CarbonX’s unique 3D porous network structure improves electron- and lithium-ion transfer, while it is still highly compressible to achieve high energy densities.”
The fresh funding will also support the commissioning of a 200 m² single-layer pouch lab to bolster client qualifications and the development of next-generation anode materials. In addition, CarbonX is preparing a feasibility study for a 20,000-ton-per-year production line in both Europe and the United States.
“Founders of CarbonX found an answer to the developing Chinese export ban on graphite. In addition to strengthening the negotiation power for the West, the margins for the existing carbon black factories will significantly improve. Thanks to the long history in refining and bulk processing, the Port of Rotterdam is well positioned to build new sustainable value chains in extraction and refining of critical raw materials for the energy transition while using the existing installed base,” said Jesse In ‘t Velt, Investment Manager of Energy Transition Fund Rotterdam.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/12/carbonx-lands-funding-to-challenge-chinas-grip-on-crucial-battery-material/
