Nanotube Insights: Delving into the Top 14 Carbon Nanotube Producers

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical molecules that consist of rolled-up sheets of single-layer carbon atoms (graphene). They are known for their unique properties, which include remarkable strength, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. These features make them exceptionally promising in materials science and nanotechnology, where they are used to enhance the properties of composite materials, serve as conductors in electronic and nanoelectronic devices, and function as nanoscale semiconductors, among other applications.

In 2022, the global market for carbon nanotubes was valued at USD 7.6 billion, illustrating the substantial demand and utility of these materials across various sectors. Within this market, the Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) segment emerged as the predominant category, capturing a market share of 75.6%. This dominance underscores the versatility and widespread application of MWCNTs in numerous industries. Regarding production techniques, the Chemical Vapor Deposition method led the field, commanding more than 28.9% of the market share, highlighting its efficiency and popularity in carbon nanotube synthesis.

In terms of end-use industries, the Electronics and Semiconductor sector was at the forefront, with a significant market share of 39.4%, reflecting the critical role of carbon nanotubes in enhancing the performance and capabilities of electronic devices and components. Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region stood out as the leading market, accounting for 42.5% of the global revenue, indicative of the region’s strong industrial base and innovation landscape.

The Top Key Players Quick Navigation

Arkema SA

Arkema SA, a distinguished French multinational, stands as a leader in the specialty materials sector, with its headquarters situated in Colombes, near Paris, France. The company, which was founded in 2006 as a spin-off from TotalEnergies (formerly known as Total S.A.), carries forward a rich legacy in the chemicals industry bestowed by its predecessor. Arkema is publicly listed and trades on the Euronext Paris stock exchange under the code AKE.

Arkema’s operations are organized into three primary business segments: Adhesives, Advanced Materials, and Coating Resins. The Adhesives segment provides a wide array of solutions ranging from industrial adhesives for the automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors to high-performance adhesives for electronics, alongside hot melt adhesives and specialty solutions.

Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK), founded in 1939 through the merger of Nihon Electrical Industries and Showa Fertilizers, has evolved into one of Japan’s premier chemical companies. Over the years, SDK has made significant strides in various sectors, marking milestones such as the development of new crystal growth technology for GaN-based blue/white LEDs in February 2007 and the acquisition of Hitachi Chemical for US$8.8 billion in December 2019 to expand its lithium-ion battery and advanced materials businesses. In June 2020, Hitachi Chemical was rebranded as Showa Denko Materials, and by January 2023, Showa Denko K.K. and Showa Denko Materials Co., Ltd. merged to form Resonac​.

Showa Denko’s business portfolio spans several domains, including petrochemicals, chemicals, electronics, inorganics, and aluminum. In the petrochemical sector, it has established itself as a leader in the Asian ethyl acetate market, with its Oita Plant being a key manufacturing base. The chemical sector of SDK focuses on a wide array of products, from industrial gases and chemicals to high-purity gases for the semiconductor industry, showcasing its adaptability and innovation.

Nanocyl S.A.

Nanocyl S.A., established in 2002 in Belgium, specializes in the production and development of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and related products, holding a leadership position in this innovative sector. It focuses on applications across energy, transport, electronics, and the rubber market, aiming for sustainable solutions.

In October 2023, Birla Carbon acquired Nanocyl, aiming to enhance its offerings in the energy systems market, especially for lithium-ion batteries, and to further its sustainability agenda. This partnership is expected to leverage both companies’ strengths in innovation and R&D, significantly impacting various industries​​.

JiangSu Cnano Technology Ltd

Jiangsu Cnano Technology Co., Ltd. is dedicated to the R&D, production, and sales of nano-scale carbon materials, focusing on carbon nanotube powder, carbon nanotube conductive paste, graphene composite conductive paste, and carbon nanotube conductive masterbatch. These products find applications in lithium batteries, conductive plastics, new energy vehicles, 3C products, and energy storage batteries, primarily serving the Chinese market​​.

LG Chem

LG Chem Ltd., established in 1947, is the largest chemical company in South Korea and was ranked as the 9th largest chemical company globally by sales in 2021. Initially founded as the Lucky Chemical Industrial Corporation, focusing on cosmetics, it has now transitioned to a purely business-to-business entity. LG Chem operates across three main business areas:

Petrochemicals, Advanced Materials, and Life Sciences. The company is a key player in supplying materials for various industries, including petrochemicals, IT and electronics materials, and energy solutions. It boasts a significant global presence with eight factories in South Korea and a network of business locations in 15 countries​

Timesnano

Timesnano, associated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is a professional manufacturer of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and holds the distinction of being the exclusive CNT provider for the Academy. Since its establishment in 1996, Timesnano has been dedicated to the synthesis and application research of CNTs and started commercializing these materials in 2003. The company is capable of producing a wide array of CNT-related products, including the ability to produce 50kg per annum of Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), highlighting its significant contribution to the field of nanotechnology and materials science.

Hyperion Catalysis International

Hyperion Catalysis International is a company specializing in the development and manufacturing of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). They are known for their innovative approaches to CNT production and their high-quality nanomaterials.

The company was founded in 2002 and has since become a leader in the field of nanotechnology. Hyperion Catalysis International’s proprietary technology allows for the production of CNTs with exceptional purity, uniformity, and properties, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. CNTs are cylindrical structures composed of carbon atoms arranged in a unique nanoscale configuration. They exhibit extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, making them valuable in various industries, including electronics, aerospace, automotive, energy, and biomedical fields.

OCSiAl Group

OCSiAl Group is a leading global manufacturer of graphene nanotubes (also known as single-wall carbon nanotubes) and related products. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Luxembourg, with production facilities in Novosibirsk, Russia, and a network of offices and partners worldwide. Graphene nanotubes (GNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures composed of graphene sheets rolled into seamless tubes. They possess remarkable mechanical, electrical, thermal, and barrier properties, making them highly sought after for a wide range of industrial applications.

Qingdao Haoxin

Qingdao Haoxin New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. is a company based in Qingdao, China, specializing in the production of lithium-ion batteries and energy storage solutions.

As of my last update in January 2022, I don’t have specific detailed information about Qingdao Haoxin’s operations, products, or market presence. However, it’s common for companies like Qingdao Haoxin to play a role in the rapidly growing lithium-ion battery industry, which is essential for various applications such as electric vehicles, consumer electronics, renewable energy storage, and more.

Zeon Corporation

Zeon Corporation is a multinational chemical company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1950, Zeon has grown into a leading producer of synthetic rubber, specialty chemicals, and other innovative materials.

The company’s product portfolio includes a wide range of synthetic rubbers, such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR), and specialty elastomers like hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). These synthetic rubbers are used in various industries, including automotive, construction, electronics, and healthcare.

Nanotech Labs Inc

Nanotech Labs Inc. is a nanotechnology company based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA. It specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of advanced nanomaterials and nanotechnology-based solutions.

As of my last update in January 2022, Nanotech Labs Inc. focuses on creating innovative nanomaterials with unique properties and applications across various industries. These nanomaterials may include nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, and other nanostructures engineered to enhance specific properties or enable new functionalities in products and processes.

Carbon Solutions, Inc

Carbon Solutions Inc., based in Riverside, California, specializes in nanotechnology with a primary focus on manufacturing single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Established in 1998, the company has built a reputation for producing high-quality SWNTs in various forms. Their products cater to diverse applications in industries such as electronics, aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. Carbon Solutions Inc. operates with a commitment to advancing nanotechnology and providing innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers

MSE Supplies LLC

MSE Supplies LLC is a company that specializes in providing materials, equipment, and services for research, development, and manufacturing in the field of materials science and engineering. Based in the United States, MSE Supplies offers a wide range of products tailored to the needs of researchers, scientists, and engineers worldwide. Their offerings include advanced materials, laboratory equipment, tools, and custom synthesis and manufacturing services. MSE Supplies is committed to supporting advancements in materials science by providing high-quality products, technical expertise, and exceptional customer service

Raymor Industries Inc

Raymor Industries Inc. is a Canadian company that specializes in the development and manufacturing of advanced materials and nanomaterials. Founded in 1989 and based in Montreal, Quebec, Raymor Industries focuses on producing high-quality carbon nanotubes and other nanomaterials for various industrial applications.

The company’s products include multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and other nanomaterials used in fields such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and healthcare. Raymor Industries leverages its expertise in materials science and nanotechnology to provide innovative solutions to its customers.

Conclusion

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) represent a significant advancement in materials science, offering remarkable strength, electrical, and thermal properties. They have potential applications in various fields, including electronics, materials, and medicine, due to their unique characteristics. However, challenges such as scalability, integration into existing systems, and environmental impact require further research.