Nanotechnology

The lure of fuel cells is the promise to be one of the most ubiquitous products of the 21^st century. Fuel cells can compete with batteries, the internal combustion engine and the power grid. Hydrogen can compete with any fuel now produced and cause no pollution but its price is higher than gasoline or natural gas because it is difficult to transport and store. Nanotechnologies will provide the technological keys that enable fuel cells and hydrogen as a fuel to become competitive and commonplace.

The majority of current global revenues for carbon nanotubes are generated by relatively large-scale manufacturing of bulk materials for applications where electrical conductivity, increased mechanical performance and flame retardancy are primary design drivers. Composites, field emission devices and batteries are the most prominent and commercially viable current applications. Next generation products will incorporate sensing capabilities and multi-functionality and lead to greatly increased revenues over the next 3-10 years.

A new market news review, 2008 Nanoparticle News Review, available at Electronics.ca Publications, provides a comprehensive overview of the global nanoparticle industry, offering detailed insight into current and emerging technologies and markets. The bi-monthly newsletter Nanoparticle News examines all major market segments within the area being researched, and provides an analysis of market drivers, major players, patent activity and other key market factors that are influencing or will influence market growth over the next four to 10 years.