Global Graphene, 2D Materials and Carbon Nanotubes Markets Forecast 2019-2030

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This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the current and future markets for graphene, non-graphene 2D materials and carbon nanotubes (multi-walled carbon nanotubes, single-walled carbon nanotubes, few-walled carbon nanotubes, double-walled carbon nanotubes, etc.)

Graphene

There are now over 250 companies either producing graphene or developing applications, with scores of multi-nationals conducting R&D on these materials. Several start-ups developing graphene applications have recently received multi-million-dollar funding and graphite producers are announcing plans to start multi-ton production.

The current global production capability for graphene is inflated by the production of graphene slurries and powders, mainly in the Taiwan and China markets. The market is in an oversupply situation, but a lot of what is available is thin graphite, especially in these markets. According to research by the Centre for Advanced 2D Materials (CA2DM) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), many graphene producers supply thin graphite powder with 2-10% of graphene content.

Most major graphene producers are currently focused on smaller scale production of high-quality graphene for high-value applications. The past 18 months have seen a marked increase in graphene collaborations, agreements, investments, and product launches. Products are now coming to market across multiple sectors and regional markets. New products and developments incorporating graphene include body temperature regulating fabrics, jackets, coolants, sensors, automotive composites, wheelchairs, supercapacitors for public transport, cigarette filters, membrane technology, wearable technology for athletes and OLEDs.

Investment companies have invested multimillion dollars in small-scale producers and product developers in seat warming technology, solar panels, and batteries. This shows no sign of abating with electronics giant Huawei launching the Mate 20 X phone smartphone incorporating a graphene cooling film (graphene was supplied by The Sixth Element Materials). Automotive company Ford has also announced that it will become the first automaker to use graphene parts in its vehicles, starting with the Mustang and F-150, in collaboration with Eagle Industries and XG Sciences.

The high-value applications of graphene such as high-frequency transistors and touch screens are still some way off from full commercial realization, due to high production costs and the finite scalability of synthesis methods. Most volume based graphene producers target the conductive additives market for their materials, for application in batteries, composites, conductive inks, and paints/coatings. In high-end markets, the value of graphene is evident and makes penetration more likely (comparable to quantum dots in displays). However, in large volume markets, they face significant challenges from incumbent materials.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The global market of carbon nanotubes is generally segmented by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), and others (DWCNT, FWCNT). Currently, MWCNT comprises the biggest share in terms of sales volumes and production capacities. Demand for MWCNT is mainly from composites, energy storage, and electronics industries. As electroconductive additives, MWCNT is mainly used for anti-static plastics in the automotive industry, electronics packaging, and lithium-ion batteries. There are several large companies with MWCNT production capacities of hundreds of tons per year. Prices of MWCNT have reduced significantly in recent years.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes

The most remarkable properties of nanotubes are found in SWCNTs, including:

• Incredible strength (they are 100 times stronger than steel at one-sixth the weight)
• Electrical conductivity as high as copper, but five times lighter
• Thermal conductivity as high as diamond (up to 1000oC)
• Huge surface area
• Highest length-to-diameter ratio
• Flexibility
• Thermal stability
• Lightweight
• Chemical inertness (GNTs are compatible with almost all materials)

SWCNTs are vastly superior to MWCNTs in terms of their specific properties. However, they have not been used in industry until the last few years due to the lack of efficient mass production technology and high cost. However, recent mass production technology is making SWCNTs more affordable for use in a range of industries.