1. Hello From Alvin

Dear Reader, 

Welcome to the second edition of Nanotube News!

The successful launch of Nanotube News last month was a testament to how our community is growing; it’s inspiring to know that so many of you share our passion for the incredible potential of carbon nanotubes (CNTs).

CNTs have been at the forefront of some exciting developments this month. Whether it’s advancements in battery technology or breakthroughs in critical infrastructure, it’s clear that CNTs are becoming an indispensable part of the future of sustainability. Here at TrimTabs, we’re committed to driving that progress and making CNT-based solutions accessible for real-world impact.As always, we’ve packed this newsletter with insights, updates, and, of course, a bit of humour.

I hope you enjoy this edition and that it continues to fuel your curiosity about what’s possible with nanotechnology.

Thank you for sharing this journey with us; I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

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!

- On 17th December at 18:30 GMT, TrimTabs will be featured on BBC Radio Wales’s Science Café for an episode spotlighting the issue of Christmas waste. For more details, check out the TrimTabs Recommends section below.

- We’re thrilled to announce that TrimTabs has been named one of Hello Tomorrow’s Deep Tech Pioneers! Our application was selected from 4,600 applications spanning 120 countries, and we’re honoured to receive this global recognition.

- In other news, this month, we received hard copies of our three US-granted patents: two patents for CNT-based cable designs and one for our process of converting plastic waste into carbon nanomaterials. 

- Lastly, we’re pleased to report that this month marked the completion of the first quarter of our Welsh Government SFIS grant, meeting all our projected milestones for this period. This grant follows the successful completion of our Welsh government SMART Capital Equipment Fund. Together, this support fast-tracked our bespoke CNT production unit in Bridgend, South Wales, in partnership with fellow Welsh company Engsolve. 

3. Research and Market News

This month, we’ve been excited to see CNTs driving significant advancements in the industry. From their role in data centres to huge grants for battery-grade CNTs, it is clear that demand for CNTs is increasing globally. Check out the full stories in the news section of our website by clicking the links! 

First-Ever Commercial-Scale Battery-Grade CNT Facility to Open in the US

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.

The Critical Role of Data Centres and How CNTs Could Future-Proof Them

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. 

Carbon Nanotubes: Reinforcing Recycled Plastics for a Sustainable Future

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. 

Exploring Carbon Nanotubes for Extraterrestrial Construction

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.

Carbon Nanotube-Based Heated Blankets

As the colder months set in, we’re all looking for ways to keep warm without breaking the bank, and CNTs might be the answer. Jartoo recently launched their heated blankets with CNT infrastructure on Kickstarter. Unlike conventional blankets that rely on internal wiring, this CNT-based design uses a slim, flexible carbon nanotube film to generate warmth. This structure provides rapid, even heat distribution, eliminating cold spots and reducing the risk of overheating. The CNT technology is also highly efficient and cuts power consumption by up to 60%. We can’t wait to get our hands on one! 

4. November Food for Thought: Sustainability in Nanotechnology

October 28th marked World Sustainability Day, a global initiative celebrated each year on the last Wednesday in October that aims to raise awareness of the importance of adopting practices that protect the environment for future generations. We envision a future where sustainable nanotechnology actively contributes to eliminating plastic waste. With a circular CNT production process, the goal is not only to lower the environmental footprint of CNT production but to open new pathways for sustainable product design across various industries.

Circular Production for a Circular Economy: This approach prioritises resource efficiency by transforming waste plastic into high-quality CNTs. Carbon by-products can be recycled for future production cycles, while hydrogen by-products are recycled as power. This creates a self-sustaining cycle, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of CNT production while ensuring that high-quality materials are always available, all from what would otherwise be waste. 

Sustainability Benefits for Multiple Applications: CNTs offer a unique advantage for industries that rely on durable, high-performance materials, such as electronics, automotive, and energy storage. For example, in batteries, CNTs enhance energy density and lifespan, extending the product lifecycle and reducing the frequency of replacements. In plastics and composites, CNTs improve strength and recyclability, driving the shift towards a circular economy in manufacturing. 

As the urgency for sustainable solutions grows, innovation in nanotechnology holds promise for meaningful change in the mission to end plastic waste. By championing circular practices, sustainable nanotechnology can help drive a shift towards a world where high-performance materials are not only more efficient but also contribute directly to a healthier planet.

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

This month, we have been getting excited about the new season of BBC Wales’s Science Café, with the first episode airing last week. Hosted by Adam Walton, Science Café is a weekly radio show exploring the most exciting stories in Welsh science and technology. Next month, TrimTabs will be featured in an episode focused on tackling holiday waste. The episode will spotlight the environmental impact of plastic waste generated during the Christmas season. Each year, the holiday period sees a dramatic spike in disposable packaging, decorations, and single-use items that contribute to landfill waste and environmental harm. This episode will feature insights from us, alongside several other inspiring teams, all about the scale of the issue and what we can do to reduce it. It will be an engaging 30-minute discussion, and we can’t wait to hear what you think. 

Full details below…

‍When? Tuesday 17th December 2024 at 18:30 GMT

‍Where? BBC Radio Wales (the episode will also be available on BBC Sounds shortly after broadcast)

‍What? TrimTabs features on BBC Wales’ Science Café episode: Christmas Waste‍

How? Click the link below. Science Café: all episodes!

6. This Month in Science: November Nanotechnology Milestones

Each month, we recognise a significant milestone, special event, or breakthrough discovery in the world of nanotechnology. In November, we celebrate a pivotal moment in nanotechnology history – the publication of the groundbreaking discovery of CNTs.

In November 1991, a publication came out in Nature outlining Japanese physicist Sumio Iijima’s discovery. Iijima first observed CNTs while examining the material formed during arc discharge using transmission electron microscopy. This discovery expanded our understanding of carbon, which was previously thought to exist only in three forms: graphite, diamond, and fullerenes.Since their discovery, CNTs have become fundamental to numerous applications, from electronics and energy storage to nanomedicine and materials science. As we reflect on this revolutionary moment, the continued research and advancements in CNTs highlight their lasting impact on technology and innovation.

You can find the original paper in the link below. Sumio Iijima’s Nature publication

7. CNT Comedy: Science Humour for the Month

Why is the nanoparticle terrible at giving directions?

It always gets scattered!

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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