1. Hello From Alvin

Dear Reader, 

Happy New Year, and welcome to the January edition of Nanotube News! 

As we step into 2025, I can’t help but feel energised by the possibilities for the year ahead. The start of a new year always brings with it a sense of inspiration and motivation, and here at TrimTabs, we’re more excited than ever about the role CNTs will play in shaping a more sustainable, innovative, and exciting future.

January is already brimming with fast-paced developments. From breakthroughs in advanced sensing technologies and improved battery performances to space exploration and beyond, CNTs are continuing to redefine what’s possible across industries. We have packed this edition with stories that showcase their transformative potential and the pioneering efforts driving these changes.

As we embrace this new chapter, I’d like to thank you for being a part of our journey. Your enthusiasm and engagement are what makes this community so special. Here’s to another year of discovery, innovation, and progress!

Warmly, Alvin

‍Dr. Alvin Orbaek White, Founder and CEO of TrimTabs‍

2. Company Updates

This month at TrimTabs, we have some exciting news to share with you all!

- TrimTabs is proud to be one of the founding companies of the Advanced Carbons Council (ACC), which officially launched on January 15th. The ACC is a consortium of advanced carbon companies dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration through fact-based decision-making. 

- As part of the ACC launch, Alvin will give a presentation on February 20th where he will discuss market trends and emerging innovations in the CNT industry. For more details, check out the TrimTabs Recommends section below.

- In exciting research news from our collaborators, we recently saw the first (successful!) results from battery cell tests using our CNTs with water-based dispersion. Read more on our recent wins and 2024 reflections in our recent article (more on that below!).

3. Research and Market News

This month, CNTs have been at the forefront of groundbreaking research and industry innovations. From redefining space access to advancing battery technology and enhancing vehicle safety, CNTs are proving to be a driving force behind transformative solutions. Below, we explore some of the most exciting developments, highlighting how CNTs are shaping the future. For the full stories, click the links!

‍Space Elevators: How CNTs Could Redefine Space Access

‍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 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.

‍CNTs in Battery Technology: Opportunities and Emerging Solutions

‍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.

‍Solving CNT Growth Challenges for Precise Industrial Applications

‍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.

‍Weather-Proofing Car Sensors: The Role of CNTs

‍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.

4. January Food for Thought: 2024 Year in Review: The CNT Industry

As we move into 2025, the CNT industry continues to experience substantial growth. The global CNT market expanded from $6.30 billion in 2023 to $6.88 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $18.67 billion by 2032. This momentum has been driven by increased investment, research advancements, and growing demand across multiple industries.

‍Major Industry Developments in 2024

‍Investments, mergers, and acquisitions played a key role in shaping the CNT landscape. MEIJO NANO CARBON partnered with SK Inc. Materials to advance CNT applications in electric vehicle batteries. A quantum computing start-up secured €100 million to develop ultralong CNTs for next-generation qubits. Denka Company Limited invested in CARBON FLY to further high-purity multi-walled CNT production. OCSiAl opened a CNT production facility in Serbia, supporting ProLogium’s gigafactory in France. Canatu went public through a share exchange agreement with Lifeline SPAC I.Beyond investment activity, 2024 also saw innovative CNT applications emerge. Researchers developed a CNT-based AI chip that proved 1,700 times more efficient than traditional silicon chips. Denso and Canatu collaborated on transparent CNT films to prevent frost and condensation on vehicle safety sensors. DOW and Carbice partnered to create CNT-based thermal interface materials for high-performance electronics.

‍Key Drivers of Growth

‍Demand for CNTs is increasing due to their exceptional conductivity, strength, and lightweight properties. The battery market remains a major growth driver, with CNTs playing a crucial role in lithium-sulfur and lithium-ion battery development. Grid-scale energy storage is also becoming more important, especially as countries transition away from fossil fuels. In addition, CNTs are being integrated into solar cells and fuel cells, further expanding their role in clean energy solutions.

‍What to Expect in 2025

‍With CNTs at the forefront of AI, computing, energy storage, and green technology, 2025 is expected to be another pivotal year. Continued innovation, scalability, and strategic partnerships will be critical in driving further industry advancements.With a strong foundation in place, the CNT industry is set for an exciting year ahead.To learn more, click the link below to check out the full article.

2024 in Review: The CNT Industry

5. TrimTabs Recommends: Our Guide to Events, Books, Films, and Podcasts

This month, we’re getting excited about an upcoming webinar on ‘The State of the CNT Market – Production and Applications’.

TrimTab’s founder, Alvin, will join a live webinar to discuss market and innovation trends in the CNT industry with other leading experts. This exciting event is part of the official launch of the ACC, a global trade association designed to support the adoption and use of engineered advanced carbons, including CNTs, intended to address key engineering and environmental challenges.With the global CNT market estimated at 20,000 metric tons annually and over 250 active companies, the ACC provides a much-needed platform for fact-based decision-making and shared understanding in this transformative field.

This webinar is your chance to hear industry insights and learn more about the challenges and opportunities in the CNT market. Don’t miss it!Full details below…

‍When? February 20th, 2025 at 15:00 GMT

‍Where? Zoom (registration required)

‍What? Webinar: State of the Carbon Nanotube Market – Production and Applications

‍How? Click the link below to register.‍

Register here!‍

6. This Month in Science: January Nanotechnology Milestones

Each month, we recognise a significant milestone, special event, or breakthrough discovery in the world of nanotechnology. This month, we’ve got two exciting stories that reflect, on the one hand, the sustainable nature of carbon nanotube materials and, on the other, an example of how nanotube materials are pushing the boundaries of science.

Recycling carbon fibres has long been challenging, as traditional materials can only be downcycled, losing their high-performance qualities. However, groundbreaking research from Rice University has proven that carbon fibres made from CNTs can be fully recycled, even from mixed waste streams, maintaining their structural integrity. At TrimTabs, we capitalise on this innovation by using waste plastics as feedstock for CNT growth, aligning our production with sustainable, circular economy principles. To read the full study, click the link below.

Full story

Galvorn, a commercial nanotube yarn composed of twisted carbon nanotube filament, was highlighted in a recent University of Michigan study published in Science. Interestingly, the material demonstrates groundbreaking capabilities in thermal radiation. Unlike most materials that emit only weakly circularly polarised thermal radiation, the Galvorn can emit intensely circularly polarised radiation. This property is crucial for advanced applications such as thermal imaging, biological sensing, and security systems. Remarkably, Galvorn can perform at high temperatures that surpass the limits of current emitters, making it a pivotal material in the field of advanced materials technology.To read the full study, click the link below,

Full story

7. CNT Comedy: Science Humour for the Month

Why can you never trust atoms?

‍They make up everything!‍

8. Stories From Our Community

We love hearing from our community! Whether you're working on groundbreaking CNT research, developing new applications, or have exciting updates from the field, we want to know! Send your stories, updates, or news to hello@trimtabs.co, and we'll feature them in an upcoming newsletter. Let’s build the CNT community together! 

‍That’s all for this month. Is there anything we missed? Anything you would like to see included or share with our community? We value your input and look forward to hearing your thoughts. Simply send us an email to get in touch. 

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