PlasmaChem
PlasmaChem GmbH is a Berlin-based specialty nanomaterials manufacturer (founded 1993) producing NanoDiamonds, Quantum Dots, Carbon Nanotubes, DLC-coated cardio-implants, biodegradable stent alloys, and industrial additives, sold globally via online shop and an exclusive distributor network to R&D labs, medical device makers, and industrial manufacturers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1993
- HeadquartersBerlin, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What PlasmaChem does
PlasmaChem GmbH is a privately held specialty nanomaterials company founded in 1993 in Mainz, Germany, by Dr. Alexey Kalachev and now headquartered at the Berlin-Adlershof science and technology park (Schwarzschildstr. 10, 12489 Berlin). The company develops, manufactures, and sells a broad portfolio of nanomaterials — including NanoDiamonds, NanoCeramics, NanoMetals, Carbon Nanotubes, Fullerenes, Quantum Dots, MOFs, Tectomers, and Phosphonic Acids — produced via detonation, vacuum, plasma, and ultra-thin film processes. Beyond raw nanopowders, PlasmaChem has developed proprietary downstream products: patented BioDiamond DLC coatings for cardio-implants, the TRIO line of drug-eluting surgical implants, the BIOMETAL family of bioabsorbable stent alloys, the ADDO engine oil additive based on nanodiamonds and nanographite, the Galvanoadditive line of metal-plating suspensions (with a disclosed contract with Siemens AG), and the EU-funded TINOHEAT plasmonic nanoceramic re-heaters for the plastics industry.
The company runs a hybrid go-to-market: direct e-commerce through shop.plasmachem.com (254 SKUs, unit pricing from €41 to €250+, custom synthesis, and contract analysis services including BET, DLS, and Tribology) combined with an exclusive global distributor network covering China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Russia, plus marketing partners for ADDO and metal-plating additives in India. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time product sales of consumable nanomaterials to research institutions and industrial customers, supplemented by service revenue from analytical testing. The company serves four primary customer segments — R&D/research institutions, medical device manufacturers, industrial manufacturers (automotive, plastics, packaging, metal plating), and educational institutions — and maintains strategic R&D relationships with Humboldt University of Berlin (joint Single Molecular DNA-Chip development) and Bayer AG (the LensWista AG joint venture for super-long-wear contact lenses, formed in 2004). Operating geographies span EMEA, Asia-Pacific, and North America; the firm has 11–50 employees, is founder/owner-controlled with no disclosed institutional investors, and its only disclosed external funding is a €55,975 EISMEA grant in 2016.
PlasmaChem firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- PlasmaChem
- Legal name
- PlasmaChem GmbH
- Website
- https://plasmachem.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1993
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- PlasmaChem GmbH is a Berlin-based specialty nanomaterials manufacturer (founded 1993) producing NanoDiamonds, Quantum Dots, Carbon Nanotubes, DLC-coated cardio-implants, biodegradable stent alloys, and industrial additives, sold globally via online shop and an exclusive distributor network to R&D labs, medical device makers, and industrial manufacturers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where PlasmaChem is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Berlin
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
PlasmaChem business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Nanomaterials Sales: Production and sale of nanomaterials including NanoDiamonds, NanoCeramics, NanoMetals, Quantum Dots, Carbon Nanotubes, Fullerenes, Nanowires, and composite Nano-particles. Sold through online shop and distributor network globally.
- Medical Device Coatings: BioDiamond DLC-coated cardio-implants with biocompatible nano-layered coating. Business established from 1998 with patented cardio-implants.
- ADDO Engine Oil Additive: Motor oil additive on base of nanodiamonds and nanographite for engine oil applications. Result of 15 years of research on nano-enabled technologies.
- Industrial Nano-Products: Ready-to-use industrial nano-products including nano-abrasives, additives to engine oils, and composite nano-suspensions for electroplating and electroless plating of metals. Business contract established with Siemens AG.
- Contract Analysis Services: BET surface area measurements, particle size analysis by DLS, and tribology testing services. Offered to customers requiring material characterization.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Nanodiamonds Grade G01 (4-6 nm) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Nanodiamonds Extra Pure Grade G02 (4-6 nm) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Single-Digit Nanodiamonds (SDND) 5 wt.% aqueous suspension |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) Analysis |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | Tribology Testing |
| Usage-based | Pay-as-you-go | BET Surface Area Analysis |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Quantum Dots Educational Exploration Kit |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Solar Cell Educational Exploration Kit |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Shipping Costs |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels10 records
Marketing channels6 records
PlasmaChem product offering
Product offeringCore offering
PlasmaChem manufactures and sells nanomaterials (nanodiamonds, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, nanowires, MOFs, phosphonic acids), medical device coatings and implants (BioDiamond DLC coatings, TRIO drug-eluting cardio-implants, BIOMETAL biodegradable stents), industrial additives (ADDO engine oil additive, Galvanoadditive for metal plating), and contract analytical services (BET, DLS, Tribology, custom synthesis). The company serves research, medical device, industrial, and educational customers globally through an online shop and exclusive distributor network.
Product overview
PlasmaChem is a nanomaterials technology company founded in 1993 in Mainz, Germany, now located in Berlin-Adlershof science park. The company's core offerings center on nanomaterials, detonation-, vacuum-, plasma-, and ultra-thin film technologies with biomedical and technical applications. The main product portfolio includes Nanomaterials (Nanopowders) such as NanoDiamonds, NanoCeramics, NanoMetals, Carbon Nanotubes, Fullerenes, and Quantum Dots; medical device coatings (BioDiamond DLC, TRIO cardio-implants, BIOMETAL biodegradable stents); industrial products (ADDO engine oil additives, Galvanoadditive for metal plating); analytical services (NanoLuminograph, BET, DLS, Tribology testing); and specialty materials (Tectomers, Metal-Organic Frameworks, Phosphonic Acids). In 2005, PlasmaChem launched the world's first General Catalogue of Nanomaterials. The company operates an e-commerce platform (shop.plasmachem.com) with over 254 products and maintains distributor networks across Asia, Europe, and globally.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- BioDiamond: Patented cardio-implants with biocompatible nano-layered Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC)-coating.
- ADDO
- TRIO
- NanoLuminograph
Products and services
- Nanomaterials (Nanopowders) Comprehensive portfolio of nanomaterials including NanoDiamonds, NanoCeramics, NanoMetals, Carbon Nanotubes, Fullerenes, and composite Nano-particles produced via detonation, vacuum, plasma, and ultra-thin film technologies. Sold to research institutions, universities, and R&D laboratories worldwide.
- BioDiamond (DLC Coatings) Patented cardio-implants with biocompatible nano-layered Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating serving as an effective barrier against leakage of heavy metal ions (Cr, Ni, Mo) from surgical stainless steel 316L. Used in medical implant applications.
- TRIO Cardio-Surgical Implants New generation cardio-surgical implants with controlled drug elution and biosoluble (biodegradable) temporary implants for medical device manufacturers.
- ADDO Engine Oil Additive Engine oil additive based on nanodiamonds and nanographite that smooths moving engine parts, reducing friction and mechanical losses while improving engine power and decreasing fuel consumption. Used by automotive and industrial customers.
- Galvanoadditive Additives for metal plating and electroplating processes, including composite nano-suspensions for electroplating and electroless plating of metals. Used by industrial metal finishing customers, including Siemens AG.
- Quantum Dots Super-stable quantum dots for LED applications including multiple variants (CdSe/ZnS, CdTe, InP/Zn(Se,S), ZnCdSeS alloyed, ZnCuInS/ZnS, Perovskite PbMeX3, and AgInS2 (PLAIS)). Used for color correction in displays and true green light applications by electronics and display manufacturers.
- BIOMETAL Biodegradable Stents Bioabsorbable stents made from tailored biodegradable alloys based on natural components of substance exchange in human body. Full degradation requires few weeks without requiring long-term antiplatelet therapy. Used by medical device manufacturers.
- Tectomers Novel self-assembling molecules consisting of oligoglycine units linked to a common center. Used for coating surfaces with extra-regular 2-D or 3-D layers of monomolecular thickness for research and surface engineering applications.
- Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Crystalline compounds consisting of metal ions coordinated to organic molecules forming porous three-dimensional structures. Products include ZIF-8, ZIF-67, Cu-BTC, and aluminium fumarate for gas storage, purification, and catalysis applications.
- Phosphonic Acids Alkylphosphonic acids with C6-C18 chain lengths widely used for production of nanoparticles such as quantum dots, nano-metals, and nano-ceramics, as well as for hydrophobic monolayer coatings.
- Educational Exploration Kits Quantum Dots Exploration Kit for schools and universities containing real quantum dot samples, cuvettes, UV lamps, and worksheets. Also includes Solar Cell educational kit with ITO glass substrates and TiO2 powder for teaching nanotechnology and renewable energy concepts.
- Custom Synthesis Service Custom synthesis services for new materials or modification of existing nanomaterials, offered to research institutions and industrial customers requiring tailored nano-materials.
- BET Surface Area Analysis Service Contract analysis service for specific surface area and porosity measurement using BET nitrogen multipoint analysis, offered to customers requiring material characterization.
- DLS Particle Size Analysis Service Contract analysis service for particle size measurement of colloidal solutions using dynamic light scattering, covering particles from few nm to 1 micron.
- Tribology Testing Service Contract analysis service for tribological testing of metals and metal coatings including friction coefficients, wear analysis, and microscopical track width measurement.
- NanoLuminograph Surface Analysis Novel and unique surface analysis method using nano-luminograph technology. Surface temperature transition (DSC-like) analysis tool with R&D phase completed, several patent applications filed and granted at national phase.
- Single Molecular DNA-Chip Single molecular chip where DNA, RNA, or other macromolecules are properly arranged in solid state array for direct nano-scopic sequencing of genomes, developed in cooperation with Humboldt University.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% energy savings at just 10 ppm of new plasmonic nano-ceramic re-heater in PET
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use PlasmaChem
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
PlasmaChem technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
PlasmaChem partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Bayer AGcoreJoint venture LensWista AG founded in 2004 with Bayer IndustryService (Leverkusen) for manufacturing and promotion of contact lenses of super-long wear (>90 days/nights permanent usage). LensWista is located in Berlin/Adlershof.
- Humboldt University of BerlincoreClose cooperation with Chair Physics of Macromolecules (Prof. J.P. Rabe) where PlasmaChem has own research facilities providing measurements using scanning probe techniques (AFM/STM/STS). Joint development of Single Molecular DNA-Chip technology for direct nanoscopic genome sequencing.
- Semiotic LLC, RussiaminorJoint development of low-price, high accuracy, mass production molecular diagnostic glycan microchip presented at Analytica 2016.
- TINOHEAT ConsortiumcoreEU-granted industrial project (Grant Agreement number 73248) developing plasmonic nanoceramic particles for plastic industry energy savings. Project demonstrates 30% energy savings in PET processing.
- HINAMOX ConsortiumminorEuropean project (2010-2014) targeting understanding of nanoparticles' influence on environment and human health. PlasmaChem contributed expertise on metal oxide nanoparticles safety study involving 7 groups across Europe, Mexico and China.
- Max-Planck-Institute of Polymer ResearchminorHistorical partnership where Dr. Alexey Kalachev worked at the institute before founding PlasmaChem, maintaining close relationship through joint R&D projects.
- Filgen Inc., JapancoreExclusive distributor agreement signed July 2016 for distribution of PlasmaChem's nanomaterials in Japan. Provides access to local R&D and industrial customers.
- 3D-nano Co., PolandcoreDistributor agreement signed January 2015 for distribution of nanomaterials in Poland. Allows access to local R&D and industrial customers.
- Beijing AnWeiAn Lab Equipment Co., Ltd., ChinacoreDistributor agreement signed December 2011 for distribution of nanomaterials and ADDO in China. Professional distributor for laboratory equipment and engineering goods.
- Reinste Nano Ventures Pvt. Ltd., IndiacoreDistributor agreement signed August 2011 for distribution of nanomaterials in India. Company associated with Indian Nanotechnology consortium.
- Emaxwin Technology Corp., TaiwancoreDistributor agreement signed June 2012 for distribution of nanomaterials and ADDO in Taiwan. Professional distributor for nano products, optical, automotive, additive and chemical materials.
- iNexus Inc., South KoreacoreExclusive distributor for nanomaterials in South Korea, operating from Pangyo-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si. Participated with PlasmaChem at NANO KOREA 2013 exhibition.
- Bioportugal Lda, PortugalminorDistributor agreement signed May 2011 for distribution of nanomaterials in Portugal. Company focused on import and marketing of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.
- Comercial Química Massó, S.A. (CQM), SpainminorDistributor agreement signed April 2011 for distribution of nanomaterials in Spain. Leading company in Spain commercializing chemical specialities in agriculture, gardening, home products, glass, additives sectors.
- Vision Development Co., Ltd, JapanminorMarketing partner in Tokyo, Japan providing additional market access beyond exclusive distributor Filgen.
- KVM Chemical Consultancy, IndiaminorMarketing partner in India specifically for ADDO and metal plating additives, based in Bangalore.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
PlasmaChem competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Strem Chemicals: Specialty chemicals catalog supplier (acquired by Ascensus) offering organometallics, nanomaterials, MOFs and catalysts to research institutions. Comparable to PlasmaChem in the chemistry-tools-and-nanomaterials segment with overlapping customer base and distribution model.
- US Research Nanomaterials (US-Nano): Houston-based catalog and bulk supplier of nanopowders, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and specialty nanomaterials. Closely comparable to PlasmaChem in product breadth, online-shop distribution, and customer base of academic and industrial R&D buyers.
- SkySpring Nanomaterials: Houston-based supplier of nanopowders, quantum dots, graphene and CNT products for research and industrial applications. Closely mirrors PlasmaChem's online-shop-heavy distribution and broad nanomaterial product catalog.
- American Elements: US-based manufacturer and distributor of nanomaterials (nanopowders, quantum dots, nanotubes, MOFs) sold via catalog and direct sales to R&D and industrial customers. Directly comparable to PlasmaChem's core nanomaterials business model, including custom synthesis and bulk supply.
- Nanocs: New York-based nanomaterials manufacturer and distributor offering gold/silver nanoparticles, quantum dots, nanodiamonds, and PEG-derivatives. Directly comparable to PlasmaChem as a smaller catalog nanomaterials supplier serving R&D customers.
- Nanoshel: Manufacturer and global supplier of nanomaterials including metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes and MOFs. Comparable to PlasmaChem as a multi-category nanomaterials catalog supplier serving research and industrial customers worldwide.
Regional players
- Reinste Nano Ventures: India-based nanomaterials distributor and consortium member already serving as PlasmaChem's exclusive India distributor (signed 2011). Comparable as an India-focused nanomaterials supplier with overlapping catalog and customer base.
Emerging players
- Adámas Nanotechnologies: Specialist in fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) for bioimaging, sensing and quantum applications. Comparable to PlasmaChem specifically in the single-digit nanodiamond product line, with overlap in diamond-based nanomaterials for research.
- NN-Labs (formerly NN Crystal/Cincinnati Nanoworks): Manufacturer of semiconductor quantum dots, nanoplatelets and perovskites for displays, lighting and biomedical imaging. Closely comparable to PlasmaChem's quantum dots division and shares display-industry customers.
Broad incumbents
- Sigma-Aldrich (Merck KGaA): Operates the world's largest research-chemicals catalog including an extensive nanomaterials portfolio. Comparable to PlasmaChem as a broad-line nanomaterials and specialty-chemicals supplier to R&D and industry, but with vastly greater scale, brand recognition and distribution reach.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
PlasmaChem social profiles
Digital presencePlasmaChem financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
PlasmaChem leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
PlasmaChem subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
PlasmaChem funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
PlasmaChem M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about PlasmaChem
What does PlasmaChem do?
PlasmaChem manufactures and sells nanomaterials (nanodiamonds, quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, nanowires, MOFs, phosphonic acids), medical device coatings and implants (BioDiamond DLC coatings, TRIO drug-eluting cardio-implants, BIOMETAL biodegradable stents), industrial additives (ADDO engine oil additive, Galvanoadditive for metal plating), and contract analytical services (BET, DLS, Tribology, custom synthesis). The company serves research, medical device, industrial, and educational customers globally through an online shop and exclusive distributor network.
Is PlasmaChem a public or private company?
PlasmaChem is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was PlasmaChem founded?
PlasmaChem was founded in 1993. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is PlasmaChem based?
PlasmaChem is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does PlasmaChem make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Nanomaterials Sales are the primary driver. The others are medical Device Coatings, ADDO Engine Oil Additive, industrial Nano-Products and contract Analysis Services.
Who are PlasmaChem's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Strem Chemicals, US Research Nanomaterials (US-Nano), SkySpring Nanomaterials, American Elements, Nanocs and Nanoshel. Reinste Nano Ventures is listed as a regional player. Emerging players are Adámas Nanotechnologies and NN-Labs (formerly NN Crystal/Cincinnati Nanoworks). Sigma-Aldrich (Merck KGaA) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does PlasmaChem have an API?
No public API is recorded for PlasmaChem.