This section provides an overview for carbon nanotubes (cnts) as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 10 carbon nanotube (cnt) manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked carbon nanotube (cnt) companies as of November, 2024: 1.Nano-C, 2.Carbon Solutions, Inc., 3.Cheap Tubes.
Table of Contents
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are three-dimensional molecular structures created by rolling graphene sheets into cylinders. These sheets consist of benzene rings composed of six carbon atoms, and uniformly arranged in the X-Y plane. CNTs are characterized by their composition of carbon atoms, nanometer range molecular size, and tubular structure.
CNTs, formed by the strong bonding of carbon atoms, range in size from approximately 0.4nm to 50nm. Despite their extremely low density compared to metallic molecules, CNTs are known for their exceptional properties, such as strong tensile strength, high conductivity, thermal conductivity, and heat resistance.
The application of CNTs, whether individually or in small units, is associated with the development of cutting-edge technologies in fields like ultra-fine electronic circuits and mechatronics, a realm known as nanotechnology. There are various types of CNTs based on their tubular structure, including single-layer, double-layer with nested tubes of varying diameters, and multi-layer CNTs with multiple tubes of different diameters stacked in layers.
CNTs, known for their excellent mechanical and electrical properties, are expected to find a wide range of applications in both individual and composite materials. In practical terms, CNTs have already advanced the field of composite materials by being used as an additive in industrial materials. Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), created by adding carbon fibers to resin to enhance functionality, is widely used in various products. Materials incorporating CNTs as additives have been applied in items such as tennis rackets and bicycle frames. Additionally, the development of composite materials with metals, rubber, and others is being pursued.
CNTs have extremely high conductivity, capable of carrying about 1,000 times the current of metals. Their use in circuit wiring enables the flow of a large amount of current through thinner wires than current standards. Moreover, leveraging their properties of being about 1/20th the weight and 100 times the tensile strength of metals, research is ongoing for the development of lightweight and strong ropes capable of lifting heavy loads. While still often discussed in the realm of science fiction, one futuristic concept involves the use of CNTs in space elevators.
CNTs were discovered in the soot generated during experiments involving arc discharge. Currently, CNTs are produced using methods such as arc discharge, laser vaporization (laser ablation), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
Graphene, a two-dimensional structure of closely and uniformly connected hexagonal benzene rings, forms the basis of CNTs. Rolling graphene into a cylindrical shape yields a carbon nanotube. Single-layer CNTs have simple tubular structures and exhibit different electrical properties based on their alignment.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Nano-C, established in 2001 and headquartered in Westwood, Massachusetts, is a chemical manufacturer specializing in the development of nanostructured carbons tailored for energy and electronics applications. The company's product portfolio includes fullerenes, single-walled nanotubes (SWCNT), fullerene derivatives, and carbon nanotubes. These nanostructured carbons find applications in a diverse array of industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, renewable energy, water purification, medical devices, and more. The company partners with ASCA Intensify Cooperation to enhance organic photovoltaic (OPV) solutions and collaborates with Nantero to develop high-density, DRAM-class memory applications.
Nanocyl SA, founded in 2002, is a manufacturer based in Sambreville, Belgium, producing industrial multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The company's featured MWCNT products include masterbatches made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyurethane, and other materials. It also provides solvent-borne and waterborne dispersions, as well as epoxy resin concentrates designed for electrical performance and high mechanical performance. It further offers custom carbon nanotube (CNT) masterbatches, compounds, and liquid dispersions. With an annual production capacity of 460 metric tons, the company serves international markets, including customers in Europe, South Korea, and China.
NoPo Nanotechnologies, established in 2011 and headquartered in Bangalore, India, is a manufacturer specializing in small-diameter single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT). The company produces small diameter 0.8-1 nm nanotubes at scale. Its product line comprises various types of SWCNT, including raw SW CNT, semiconducting SW CNT, single chiral SW CNT, metallic SW CNT, and carbonyl/nickel detectors, showcasing its expertise in nanotechnology. The company caters to a range of industries, including electronics, semiconductors, EV batteries, medical applications, filtration, and various others.
CANATU, founded in 2004 and based in Vantaa, Finland, is a manufacturer of advanced CNT materials and components for the automotive and consumer electronics industries. The cproducts comprise flexible and stretchable transparent conductive films, enabling the development of touch sensors and displays that can conform to complex shapes and surfaces. These materials offer benefits such as enhanced design flexibility, improved durability, and heightened sensitivity, changing touch-sensitive interfaces and displays in various applications. The technology finds applications in automotive interiors, as well as in consumer electronics like wearable devices, creating immersive and interactive user experiences.
TPR Co., Ltd., established in 1939 and located in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer that provides components for the automotive industry. The company offers various products and services, including piston rings, cylinder liners, valve sheets, and automotive exterior parts. It also offers automotive goods and devices for testing and maintenance. Its product offers resistance to weathering and chemicals, broad temperature range and durometers, and is recyclable and reusable. It serves a diverse range of industries, including automotive, transportation machinery, industrial machinery, power generation, aerospace, alumina and aluminum production, and more.
Cheap Tubes is a supplier of graphene nanomaterials and carbon nanotubes for the industrial sector incorporated in 2005 and located in Grafton, Vermont, USA. The company offers carbon nanotubes in various grades for research and development applications, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for wafer processing fabrication in RFI shielding materials. It also offers chemical vapor deposition (CVD) graphene films for diagnostic devices and microbial detection. The company’s products are mainly used in North America’s research, educational, and laboratory institutions.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Nano-C |
26.1%
|
2 | Carbon Solutions, Inc. |
12.4%
|
3 | Cheap Tubes |
10.6%
|
4 | Nanocyl SA |
7.5%
|
5 | NoPo Nanotechnologies India Private Limited |
7.5%
|
6 | CANATU |
7.5%
|
7 | ZEON CORPORATION |
7.5%
|
8 | CHASM Advanced Materials |
7.1%
|
9 | TPR CO.,LTD. |
7.1%
|
10 | Arkema |
6.6%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the carbon nanotube (cnt) page as of November 2024. 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
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 1 | 25.0% |
Belgium | 1 | 25.0% |
India | 1 | 25.0% |
Finland | 1 | 25.0% |