Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are offering a solution for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which rely on cameras and sensors to improve vehicle safety. Frost, ice, and condensation often obstruct these components, limiting their reliability. Now, Denso and Canatu are developing ultra-thin CNT films that combine high thermal conductivity, transparency, and durability to keep sensors clear in all weather conditions. This innovation could ensure ADAS systems perform seamlessly year-round, bringing us closer to safer roads and autonomous vehicles.
Will Mercer
Welcome to the December edition of Nanotube News, a monthly summary of everything that is happening in the world of nanotechnology brought to you by TrimTabs!
Alvin Orbaek White
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are opening new doors in nanotechnology with their exceptional strength, conductivity, and unique optical properties. These traits make CNTs invaluable for electronics and energy storage industries, but controlled growth has remained a significant challenge. A breakthrough by researchers at Tohoku University used a novel catalyst to grow CNTs with precise (6,5) chirality and 95% purity. This advancement could enable the scalable production of tailored CNTs, bringing us closer to their full industrial potential.
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Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are reshaping the future of battery technology thanks to their exceptional conductivity, strength, and flexibility. These properties make CNTs ideal for applications like electric vehicles and portable electronics, but poor dispersibility has limited their wider adoption. However, a breakthrough from the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) may change that, introducing a dry dispersion technology that minimises CNT aggregation and enhances the environmental sustainability of secondary battery production processes.
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Space elevators could offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative to rocket-based space travel. However, their feasibility depends on the development of ultra-strong, lightweight materials, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) could be the key. Known for their exceptional strength and flexibility, CNTs could make the 22,000-mile tether required for a space elevator possible. Recent advancements, such as Obayashi Corporation’s progress in testing CNT materials, suggest that this once-theoretical idea is getting closer to reality, driving us toward more accessible and sustainable space exploration.
Will Mercer
X-ray technology has long relied on filament-based tubes, but these have drawbacks like high energy consumption and limited durability. Carbon nanotube (CNT) X-ray sources are now emerging as an alternative. A recent study from Harvard Medical School revealed that CNT X-ray tubes consume 17% less energy and produce 44% less radiation than conventional filament tubes while maintaining equal image quality. This, along with lower carbon emissions from production, makes them a more sustainable and safer choice.
Hope Needs
Electric blankets are a popular way to stay warm, but traditional designs come with drawbacks, such as high energy consumption. However, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer a revolutionary solution, combining efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The world’s first CNT-based heated blanket, recently launched by Jartoo, heats up in just one minute, provides uniform warmth, and operates on a low-voltage 24V system. Using nanotubes reduces energy use by 60% compared to traditional electric blankets, while their lightweight, durable properties make the blanket machine-washable and long-lasting too.
Hope NeedsWelcome to the November edition of Nanotube News, a monthly summary of everything that is happening in the world of nanotechnology brought to you by TrimTabs!
Alvin Orbaek White
Most fossil fuel energy is wasted before it reaches end users, with nearly two-thirds lost in intermediate processes like conversion and distribution. Electrification and decarbonisation could cut these inefficiencies, delivering the same energy services while using far less primary energy. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) could play a pivotal role in this transition – enhancing battery density, extending lifespan, and improving grid efficiency by reducing transmission losses. Sustainable CNT production could be key to supporting an efficient, electrified future that reduces our carbon footprint across industries.
Hope Needs
Current quantum computers face increasing errors with each additional qubit, hindering large-scale development. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), with their unique properties, can protect qubits from interference and reduce errors, potentially enabling scalable quantum systems. Sustainable production methods for CNTs align with the promise of quantum computing to reduce the carbon footprint of advanced fields like AI.
Alvin Orbaek White
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) would enable sustainable construction on the moon and Mars. Researchers have developed a process for creating robust, lightweight bricks from Lunar and Martian soil, using CNTs as a binder. These materials, with compressive strength comparable to granite, can be produced at near room temperature, minimising energy requirements. They could also feature built-in sensors for real-time structural monitoring, making them ideal for harsh extraterrestrial environments.
Will Mercer
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are emerging as a sustainable solution to the environmental challenge of plastic waste. Recycled plastics are often less valuable because they have inferior properties and tend to be weaker than virgin plastics. However, recent research shows that CNTs can significantly enhance the strength and durability of recycled plastics. Reinforcing plastics with CNTs leads to more robust, recyclable materials. This innovation could pave the way for a more sustainable manufacturing industry and promote a circular economy.
Dr. Hope NeedsWelcome to the (inaugural) October edition of Nanotube News, a monthly summary of everything that is happening in the world of nanotechnology brought to you by TrimTabs.
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Data centres are set to be recognised as a critical national infrastructure in the UK, placing them alongside essential services like healthcare and energy and ensuring they receive government support to minimise disruptions. However, as demand for data centres grows, we urgently need to overcome limitations posed by shortages of resources and high energy consumption. Fortunately, CNTs could offer a solution.
Dr. Hope Needs
Cabot Corporation has been awarded up to $50 million from the US Department of Energy to develop the first commercial-scale facility for battery-grade CNTs and conductive additive dispersions in the US. With the new facility, CNT technology is set to improve battery performance through faster charging, higher energy density, and enhanced durability, contributing to the growth of sustainable energy solutions.
Will Mercer
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed the first all-carbon fibre-based structural battery, which can store energy while also bearing mechanical loads. This could reduce the weight of electric vehicles and devices, improving energy efficiency, range, and battery life, and CNT-based structural batteries could provide even more power and strength in the future.
Dr. Hope Needs
We are seeing a shift toward renewable energy, with solar power making up the majority of new electricity capacity this year, and this is projected to grow further. As reliance on clean energy rises, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) could play a key role in improving battery storage and solar cell efficiency, accelerating the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Dr. Hope Needs
AI requires vast quantities of energy, but Chinese scientists have developed an AI chip using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that is 1,700 times more energy efficient than a traditional silicon chip. This breakthrough could significantly reduce power consumption in AI models, advancing progress toward artificial general intelligence (AGI) and more efficient computing systems.
Alvin Orbaek White
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are helping scientists search for life beyond Earth. Their ability to block over 99% of light makes them ideal for improving telescope sensitivity by blocking out light from stars. CNTs are proving essential in the Habitable Worlds Observatory’s mission to detect life-supporting conditions on exoplanets.
Alvin Orbaek White
Reconductoring with advanced conductors, like carbon nanotubes, significantly boosts grid efficiency and capacity, reduces energy losses, and facilitates renewable energy integration, promising a more sustainable and cost-effective power infrastructure.
Alvin Orbaek WhiteResearchers have found a way to convert non-recyclable black plastic into materials for renewable energy, addressing waste issues and supporting sustainability.
Alvin Orbaek WhiteChemical recycling offers a sustainable solution to plastic pollution by converting waste into high-quality materials. This method supports a circular economy and reduces environmental impact.
Alvin Orbaek WhiteSwansea University researchers have developed aircraft wiring from recycled plastic and carbon nanotubes, offering enhanced conductivity and sustainability. This innovation highlights the potential of advanced materials in achieving eco-friendly engineering solutions.
Alvin Orbaek WhiteCATL's potential to produce $57/kWh batteries could drastically reduce costs for electric CAM machines, making them more competitive with traditional options and accelerating industry adoption.
Alvin Orbaek White
A quantum computing startup secures €100M to develop ultralong CNTs for qubits, highlighting significant investment and growth in the CNT market.
Alvin Orbaek White
The global carbon nanotubes market is set to grow at a CAGR of ~34.78%, reaching USD 16.25 billion by 2029. This growth highlights the transformative potential of CNTs in various industries, driven by high demand in EVs and advanced materials.
Alvin Orbaek WhiteNoPo Nanotechnologies secures pre-Series A funding to enhance SWCNT production, marking a significant boost for India's nanotube market. Great to see single-walled nanotubes getting deserved investment.
Alvin Orbaek WhiteDenka invests in CARBON FLY to develop high-purity MWCNTs, enhancing lithium-ion batteries and focusing on sustainability. East Asia's nanotube investment boom highlights the need for the EU and US to catch up.
Alvin Orbaek White
MEIJO NANO CARBON and SK Inc. Materials have formed an alliance to enhance lithium-ion batteries using high-purity SWCNTs, aiming to boost EV battery performance and sustainability.
Alvin Orbaek White
TrimTabs advances sustainable CNT production, receiving Welsh government support. Their innovative approach upcycles waste into high-value CNTs, enhancing battery performance and sustainability.
Alvin Orbek White
Enhancing current power lines and building new ones is key for a green grid. Advanced conductors and smart tech boost capacity quickly, aiding the clean energy shift.
Alvin Orbaek White
Carbon nanotubes, specifically single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), offer a sustainable alternative to traditional metal wires, promising to reduce energy waste and increase efficiency in power transmission.
Alvin Orbaek White
Discover the transformative potential of carbon nanotubes in this insightful video by TrimTabs, highlighting their applications and sustainable production methods.
Alvin Orbaek White
National Technology Day, celebrated annually on May 11, highlights the impact of technological advancements on modern society, recognizing contributions across the globe.
Alvin Orbek White
TrimTabs, a South Wales technology pioneer, has completed function testing of its new carbon nanotubes production unit, moving closer to commercial-scale production.
Alvin Orbek WhiteHuntsman uses catalytic methane pyrolysis technology to produce low-carbon hydrogen and multiwalled carbon nanotubes, with plans to scale up production by 2026.
Will MercerBirla Carbon has acquired Nanocyl SA, a leading producer of multi-wall carbon nanotubes, to strengthen its position in the energy systems market, particularly for lithium-ion batteries, aligning with its sustainability agenda.
Will MercerZeta Energy and Huntsman Corporation have created a lithium-sulfur battery using carbon-based current collectors, avoiding critical metals and enhancing energy density beyond previous models.
Will MercerTrimTabs appointed Engsolve to build first production unit for low-cost carbon nanotubes from waste, enabling commercial micro-factories.
Will Mercer
TrimTabs is a featured nanotube provider in Batteries International | #130 Issue. The article highlights our ground breaking technology and it’s application in the Batter industry.
Will Mercer
Dr. Alvin Orbaek White discusses transforming plastic waste into valuable materials like hydrogen gas and carbon nanotubes, offering sustainable solutions for the future.
Will Mercer
Dr. Alvin Orbaek White's team grew ultralong 1.3cm carbon nanotubes using iron catalysts, enhancing conductivity for potential wiring, computing, and renewable energy applications.
Will Mercer
The carbon nanotube market, valued at $5 billion in 2020, is expected to reach $10.52 billion by 2028 due to growing demand and technological progress.
Will Mercer
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