Top 5 Companies Driving Change in Carbon Nanotube Market in 2025

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical molecules composed of carbon atoms arranged hexagonally, with exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Since Sumio Iijima discovered CNTs in 1991, they have received much attention for their potential applications in a variety of industries, including electronics, energy storage, medicine, and aerospace.

This blog delves into the fundamentals of carbon nanotubes and their applications. Also, it covers the companies making significant efforts to commercialize this advanced technology.

What are Carbon Nanotubes?

Carbon nanotubes are essentially rolled-up sheets of a 2D allotrope of carbon named graphene, a hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms in a single layer. Depending on the style of rolling, CNTs can be classified into two main types. These are:

1. Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs)

SWCNTs consist of a single cylindrical layer of graphene. They exhibit remarkable electrical conductivity and flexibility, making them suitable for electronics and sensors.

2. Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs)

MWCNTs comprise multiple concentric graphene cylinders. They offer higher mechanical strength and thermal stability, ideal for composite materials and structural applications.

Unique Properties of Carbon Nanotubes

CNT possesses a range of properties that make them superior to conventional materials. These include:

1. Mechanical Strength

CNTs are 100 times stronger than steel and six times lighter, yielding more efficiency.

2. Electrical Conductivity

Because of their ballistic electron transport, they conduct electricity more efficiently than copper.

3. Thermal Conductivity

CNTs are superior heat conductors, outperforming diamonds.

4. Chemical Stability

They possess great chemical stability as they are able to resist corrosion and chemical attacks.

5. Flexibility

Despite their strength, carbon nanotubes are extremely elastic and can bend without breaking to a large extent.

Applications of Carbon Nanotubes

1. Electronics

Carbon nanotubes are widely used in transistors, conductive films, and sensors. Their ability to miniaturize components while maintaining efficiency is driving advances in flexible electronics and high-performance computing.

2. Energy Storage

CNTs improve the performance of batteries and supercapacitors by increasing energy density, charge-discharge rates, and longevity. They are critical to the advancement of next-generation energy storage solutions for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.

3. Medicine

In biomedicine, CNTs are being investigated for drug delivery, biosensors, and imaging. Their nanoscale size and biocompatibility allow for targeted therapy with minimal side effects.

4. Aerospace & Automotives

CNTs are ideal for aerospace and automotive components due to their lightweight and high strength, which reduces weight and improves fuel efficiency.

5. Water Purification

CNT-based membranes are used in nanofiltration membrane systems because they have high permeability and can remove contaminants at the molecular level.

Emerging Trends and Growth Drivers

1. Rising Demand for Advanced Materials

The increasing need for lightweight, high-strength, and high-performance materials is driving demand for carbon nanotubes in recent times.

2. Technological Advancements

Continuous advancements in synthesis techniques and functionalization methods are enabling the development of novel carbon nanotube-based products.

3. Increasing Application in Various Industries

Carbon nanotubes are finding applications in a wide range of industries, including electronics, energy storage, plant genetic engineering, biomedical, composite materials, aerospace, and healthcare.

4. Government Initiatives and Funding

Governments across the globe are investing in research and development to promote the commercialization of carbon nanotube technologies and are providing different types of funds to encourage new market entrants.

Challenges in Commercializing CNTs

Despite their promise, CNTs face challenges with scalability and affordability:

1. Increased Production Costs

Their high cost of synthesis restricts the extensive use of CNTs. This poses a significant challenge for new market entrants.

2. Purity and Quality Control

One of the most notable technical challenges that remain in the CNTs is ensuring the uniformity and minimization of defects during production.

3. Health & Safety Concerns

The impact of CNTs on human health and the environment is still under investigation, necessitating stringent safety regulations from different authorities across the globe.

Companies Leading in Carbon Nanotube Industry

1. Arkema S.A.

With its headquarters located in Colombes, close to Paris, France, Arkema S.A. is a multinational manufacturer of specialty materials that is publicly traded. Arkema, S.A. was established in 2004 as a result of Total, a major French oil company, restructuring its chemicals division. It focuses on multi-walled carbon nanotubes for applications in electronics, energy, and composites. Its Graphistrength brand is widely recognized in the market.

2. LG Chem

LG Chem Ltd., also known as LG Chemical, is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It was initially founded as the cosmetics manufacturing company Lucky Chemical Industrial Corporation. LG Chem is at the forefront of incorporating CNTs into batteries and energy storage devices. Their innovations aim to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries, particularly for electric vehicles.

3. Nanocyl S.A.

Established in Belgium in 2002, Nanocyl SA has been a leader in the production of industrial multiwall carbon nanotubes. Its headquarters are in Sambreville, Belgium. Nanocyl specializes in producing high-quality CNTs for use in automotive, electronics, and industrial applications. Their PLASTICYL range of CNT-enhanced plastics is gaining traction.

4. Showa Denko K. K.

When Showa Fertilizers and Nihon Electrical Industries merged in 1939, Showa Denko K. K. was created, with its main office located in Tokyo, Japan. The production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for semiconductors, sensors, and other high-tech applications was pioneered by this Japanese company. They are well known for using sophisticated synthesis techniques.

5. OCSiAl

OCSiAl is a multinational nanotechnology company that’s known for being the largest producer of graphene nanotubes worldwide. It was established in Luxembourg in 2010. OCSiAl is renowned for its scalable production methods and its flagship product, TUBALL, which finds application in batteries, composites, and elastomers.

Future Outlook

Carbon nanotubes have transformed material science with their unique properties and diverse applications. Their potential is vast and transformative, spanning electronics, medicine, and beyond. Companies around the world are investing in CNT research and development, pushing the limits of what is possible with nanotechnology.
As production costs and safety concerns are addressed, CNTs have the potential to become a cornerstone of innovation in the twenty-first century. Carbon nanotubes have a promising future, with the potential to reshape industries and improve people's lives.