Hexanetrinitrile (HTCN): The transformation from “waste” to “key material”

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Hexanetricarbonitrile (HTCN) is an industrial by-product of adiponitrile production, and has long been treated as waste； As lithium batteries continue to evolve rapidly toward higher voltages and greater energy densities, HTCN, thanks to its tricyano structure, has become a key additive in high-voltage electrolytes. It has thus made a remarkable transformation from being regarded as “waste material” to becoming a “critical material”. I. Product Definition and Core Applications: The HTCN molecule contains three strongly electron-withdrawing cyano groups (-CN). Its oxidation potential is significantly higher than that of traditional carbonate-based electrolytes. It is currently one of the few additives capable of stably functioning in lithium cobaltate and high-nickel ternary systems operating at voltages exceeding 4.4V. Applications are concentrated in the lithium battery sector: 1. Consumer electronics: Lithium cobalt oxide at 4.5–4.55V combined with silicon-carbon anodes is standard in flagship smartphones; adding 1%–3% HTCN can raise the capacity retention rate after 450 cycles from 13.8% to 88.8%, while reducing cobalt leaching by over 65%. 2 High-nickel power batteries: NCM811/9 series have an operating voltage of ≥4.35V; HTCN prevents the dissolution of transition metals and extends the cycle life. 3. Drones and fast charging devices: A stable interface under high-rate and wide-temperature operating conditions to enhance safety. In addition, HTCN is also used in polyurethanes, pharmaceutical intermediates, pesticides, and other fields. II. Production process and technology sources: The industrial routes for HTCN are divided into two main categories: co-production from by-products and artificial synthesis. (1) Acrylonitrile electrolytic dimerization co-production method: The technology originates from Ascend’s adiponitrile production line in the United States; this process dates back to the Monsanto era, and Ascend is the only company in the world that uses it on a large scale. Principle: During the electrolytic dimerization of acrylonitrile to produce adiponitrile, HTCN is produced as a by-product ； The HTCN ratio can be increased by adjusting the electrolyzer structure, electrolyte composition, pH value, and current density. Features: low cost and high purity (electronic grade ≥99.9%). Ascend’s products are sold under the Trinohex® Ultra brand, dominating the global high-end market. (II) Ammoniation of adipic acid to co-produce ACCP→HTCN: The technology was independently developed domestically based on the localization of adiponitrile, and its development has been rapidly progressing since 2024. Principle: The catalytic amination of adipic acid to produce adiponitrile generates 1-amino-2-cyanocyclopentene (ACCP) as a by-product ； ACCP undergoes one-step condensation with acrylonitrile to produce HTCN, achieving co-production. Features: independent raw material supply, low investment threshold, flexible adjustment of HTCN production volume, suitable for domestic installations on a thousand-ton scale. (III) Cyclization-condensation method: Using hexanenitrile as the starting material, cyclization is carried out under basic catalysis to produce ACCP, which is then condensed with acrylonitrile to yield HTCN ； The process is lengthy and costly, and large-scale industrialization has not yet taken place. (IV) Summary of technology sources: Abroad, Osram (USA) holds the exclusive technology for the co-production method; it launched Trinohex® Ultra in 2020 and obtained approval for the registration of this new substance in China in 2024. Domestically: Institutions such as East China University of Science and Technology have made breakthroughs in the direct electrolysis method ； Shinwa Seiko, Taihe Technology, Lanqi Fine Chemicals, and others are advancing the implementation of co-production and synthesis processes. III. Major Manufacturers and Production Capacities (1) Overseas · Ascend (USA): The only global producer with large-scale co-production capacity; its annual HTCN production capacity is approximately 3,000 tons. (II) Domestic market (start of localization) • Liaoning Lanqi Fine Chemicals: Plans to achieve a production capacity of 1,500 tons per year through a combined production method, in conjunction with an adiponitrile production project; operation is expected to begin in 2026. ·Taihe Technology: A production capacity of thousands of tons planned, focusing on the electrolyte additive market. ·Shin-Etsu Chemical: Announced its entry into this field in April 2026, focusing on process development and patent strategy. ·Yake Shares, Junsheng New Materials, Wuhan Kangqiong, Hubei Jusheng: 100-ton pilot production/supply to meet the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. By 2025, the global total production capacity for HTCN will be around 4,500 tons, with China accounting for approximately 500 tons of that capacity; thus, the reliance on imports exceeds 85%. IV. Market Supply and Demand (I) Supply: Global production capacity is expected to be around 4,500 tons in 2025 ； By 2026, production will start in China at companies such as Lanqi and Taihe; the global production capacity is expected to reach 6,500 tons, with China’s share rising to 30%. (II) Demand: The global demand for HTCN is expected to be around 2,800 tons in 2025, with a market size of approximately $50 million. By 2026, as the adoption of lithium cobalt oxide in high-voltage applications increases, global demand is projected to reach 3,800 tons, with an annual growth rate of 35%. (III) Price and Profit · Price: Imported electronic-grade ≥99.9%, 250,000–300,000 yuan/ton ； Domestic industrial-grade: 120,000–150,000 yuan per ton. ·Cost: Approximately 60,000–80,000 yuan per ton using the co-production method ； The cost of synthesis is approximately 100,000–120,000 yuan per ton. ·Profit: Gross margin for imported brands is 70%–80% ； The gross margin for the domestic co-production method is 40%–50%, while it is 20%–30% for the synthesis method. V. Industry Trends 1. Acceleration of localization: Breakthroughs in the co-production method for adipic acid; domestic production capacity will increase significantly between 2026 and 2027, reducing import dependence to below 50%. 2. Greening of processes: Development of direct electrolysis methods and non-cyanide routes to reduce reliance on highly toxic raw materials and enhance safety. 3. Upgrading to higher quality standards: The demand for electronic-grade materials (≥99.9%) is increasing, and domestic companies are accelerating their efforts to obtain REACH and EDQM certifications. 4. Industrial chain coordination: An integrated layout of adiponitrile – HTCN – electrolyte – batteries to ensure stable supply and reduce costs. 5. In the short term, it is a “minor additive” in the electrolyte formula” ； In the long term, as high-voltage technology becomes widely adopted and domestic substitution accelerates, HTCN is set to become a key material in the field of new energy, with broad prospects for development