MATERIALS The CNT market is set for huge growth over the next decade


ON THE


NANOSCALE


After decades of development, nanocarbon “wonder materials” are poised for signifi cant growth over the next decade, says one IDTechX analyst


T


hanks to their promising mechanical and electrical properties, carbon nanomaterials have the


potential to address many global challenges within the transportation sector. From stronger and lighter vehicle bodies to superior braking applications, and from fuel cells and electric vehicle (EV) batteries to nanotube pressure gauges, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) could potentially revolutionise a wide array of applications in the transport space. Despite decades of hype and


development, though, the nanocarbon market has not seen a huge amount of commercial success thus far. According to Dr Conor O’Brien, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechX, this could all be about to change. In a recent report from the market intelligence fi rm titled ‘Carbon Nanotubes 2023-2033: Market Technology & Players’, O’Brien says the market is poised for signifi cant growth over the next decade. “After years of promise, we are


witnessing the fi rst major market adoption of nanocarbons,” he says in the report. “Although known for several decades, with a large amount of commercial engagement, and some extraordinary properties, CNTs have largely been kept to specifi c applications and relatively low market


sales until now. IDTechX forecast strong growth for the CNT market over the coming decade, driven primarily by the role of CNTs in energy storage.”


TYPES OF NANOCARBONS CNTs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from single- walled CNTs of less than 2nm, to multi-walled CNTs up to 40nm, and nanofi bers of more than 40nm. In length, they also vary from 1um to hundreds of microns, each off ering diff erent properties but in general a larger aspect ration is desired. In the report, O’Brien says, “The


most common type of MWCNTs are with lengths between 10-50um. These are often manufactured using a C-CVD process. They are the cheapest. SWCNTs have much higher performance but are expensive to produce and diff icult to disperse. CNTs also come in a variety of purity levels ranging from 25% to 99.1%. The higher levels often need multiple purifi cation steps, adding to cost.”


KEY MARKETS According to the report, energy storage is the key market for MWCNTs, particularly lithium-ion batteries for EVs. This is predominantly for use in the cathode although, as O’Brien points


out, there is some “interesting work” ongoing regarding next-generation anodes as well. “MWCNTs are making signifi cant


inroads as cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries, off ering enhanced conductive pathways and anchorage points,” he explains in the report. “These advancements are driven by key features such as higher performance at increased C-rates, longer lifetime, greater energy density via thicker electrodes and alternative cathodes, and improved temperature stability.” It’s not just EVs that are driving


the CNT boom either; electrifi cation across land sea and air is rapidly increasing, with ‘signifi cant growth anticipated over the next decade’, the report states. “The major applications for


graphene and CNTs are diverse, refl ecting the multifunctional nature of these materials,” O’Brien says. “Energy storage, especially for CNTs, leads the way, while both materials are set to achieve success in composites, sensors and coatings.” With IDTechX predicting the market


for MWCNTs in lithium-ion batteries to exceed $1 billion by 2035, it’s clear that nanomaterials will have a key role to play within the electrifi cation of the transport sector in years to come as the industry looks to achieve its net-zero goals.


www.engineerlive.com 15


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48