10 Nanotube Manufacturers in 2023
This section provides an overview for nanotubes as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 10 nanotube manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
What Is a Nanotube?
A nanotube is a microscopic material with a tubular structure.
They are called nanotube because the size of the tube is on the nanometer scale. In general, it refers to carbon nanotube, which are composed of carbon.
Carbon nanotube consists of a cylindrically rounded sheet of benzene rings that are laid without gaps between them. It is possible to insert even thinner tubes in this cylinder, single-walled nanotubes (SWNT: single-walled carbon nanotube) for one layer, multi-walled nanotubes (MWNT: multi- called a walled carbon nanotube).
Uses of Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes are often used in the field of nanotechnology. Due to their high conductivity and aspect ratio, they can form networks of conductive tubes.
Their strong chemical bonding also allows them to increase mechanical strength when used with polymers, making them very good heat conductive materials. Taking advantage of its electronic and mechanical properties, it is expected to be used in a wide range of fields as a fundamental material for nanotechnology. Examples of products in which nanotubes have already been applied include tennis rackets, bicycle frames, speakers, headphones, and electric wires.
Principle of Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes are chemically very stable and extremely light, with a density about half that of aluminum. Nevertheless, they are 20 times stronger than steel, 1,000 times more current density resistant than copper, and have higher thermal conductivity than copper.
1. Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT)
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are seamless cylindrical materials formed from a single layer of graphene. The electrical conductivity of SWNTs shows metallic or semiconducting behavior as the bandgap changes depending on the winding method and diameter of the graphene sheet that forms the tube.
2. Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (DWNT)
DWNTs (double-walled carbon nanotubes) have band gap suitable for field-effect transistors. However, their electrical behavior is very complex, limiting their use to fields such as thin-film electronics. In addition, selective functionalization of the outer layer enables the application of contrast agents and therapeutic agents in biological systems.
3. Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNTs)
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) are easier to mass produce and less expensive per unit than their single-walled (SWNT) counterparts. While functionalization usually results in the cleavage of carbon double bonds and changes in properties, multi-walled carbon nanotubes can retain their original properties because only the outer layers are modified.
In order to introduce new properties for specific applications, it is necessary to modify the surface of carbon nanotubes to make them soluble in various solvents, to enhance their functionality, to give them dispersibility, compatibility, and so on. This is possible by causing an oxidation reaction using acid, ozone, plasma, etc. For example, when a hydroxyl group or a carboxyl group is generated, polarity is created, and solubility can be obtained and affinity with various polymers can be increased.
Other Information on Nanotubes
1. Practical Application of Nanotubes
Nanotubes can be synthesized by laser ablation, arc discharge, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Among these approaches, the CVD method is the most feasible for industrial mass production.
The super growth method is an extremely innovative synthesis method in which an extremely small amount of water (on the order of ppm) is added to the synthesis atmosphere of the CVD method, resulting in a catalyst lifetime of tens of minutes instead of the usual several seconds. SWCNTs can be synthesized from very small amounts of catalyst.
Specifically compared to conventional CNTs, CNTs obtained by the super growth method are characterized by high aspect ratio, high purity," and large surface area, and are expected to be applied to new functional materials with new functions and features. Specifically, it is expected to be applied to innovative materials such as high-performance rubber materials and high thermal conductivity materials, and demand for these materials is expected to grow.
In the future, it is expected to be put to practical use in the energy field, such as super capacitor electrodes and secondary battery electrode materials; in the electronics field, such as silicon alternative semiconductor circuits and flexible electric circuits; field, such as transparent conductive films and actuators; and in the structural materials field, such as automobile body reinforcement materials and aircraft body reinforcement materials.
2. Disadvantages of Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes have been pointed out to have carcinogenic and other risks when inhaled by the human body.
Another issue is that carbon nanotubes are more expensive than other materials. It is hoped that the establishment of mass production technology will lead to lower prices in the future.
List of 10 Nanotube Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
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American Elements
Nanotubes
Company Overview
American Elements was founded in 1997 in California and currently has research and production facilities in Utah, Mexico, China, and the United Kingdom. AE manufactures and distributes advanced materials from a catalog of over 30,000 products for bulk industrial use as well as small scale laboratory use. AE also provides testing and analyses services including spectroscopy along with structural, thermal, and electrical analyses. AE holds sustainable development as a core corporate value and is committed to work to protect the health of the environment.
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Otto Chemie Pvt. Ltd
Nanotubes
Company Overview
Founded in Mumbai, India in 2006, Otto Chemie Pvt. Ltd. is an ISO 9001:2015 & GMP certified chemical manufacturing company and distributor. Otto Chemie serves customers in many industries including agriculture and food processing, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, cement, as well as educational and R&D industries. Product offerings include antibiotics, amino acids, vitamins, detergents, ionic liquids, materials science compounds, labware, oil, metal & ceramic science compounds and tools, oils, reagents, solvents.
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Nanocyl SA
Carbon Nanotubes
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Nano Research Elements Inc.
Carbon Nanotubes
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OCSiAl
Graphene nanotubes
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NoPo Nanotechnologies
HiPCO® CARBON NANOTUBE
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Nano-C
Carbon Nanotubes
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Nanotube Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of March 2023 in United States of America
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NanoIntegris Inc. | 66.7% |
| 2 | Nano-C | 33.3% |
Ranking as of March 2023 Globally
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NanoIntegris Inc. | 66.7% |
| 2 | Nano-C | 33.3% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the nanotube page as of March 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
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