Research Articles

The new independent IDTechEx report, "Additives for Li-ion Batteries and PFAS-Free Batteries 2026-2036" offers an in-depth analysis of the evolving market for binders, conductive additives, and electrolyte additives. It examines the impact of PFAS regulation, new production methods, and silicon anodes, with 10-year forecasts projecting the market to exceed US$18 billion by 2036.

In this article, IDTechEx analyzes the potential of fusion energy in powering future data centers, motivated by the recent announcement that Google has agreed to purchase 200MW of fusion power from a prominent startup in the early 2030s.

Composite materials are increasingly being used to innovate green energy technologies, from advancing wind turbine blades, to enabling lighter and more efficient electric vehicles. In this article, IDTechEx Technology Analyst Maia Benstead explores the key sustainability trends driving the uptake of fiber reinforced polymer composites across a range of clean energy sectors.

In this video, IDTechEx analyst Yulin Wang talks you through the state-of-play of humanoid robots.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for carbon capture, green hydrogen, and sustainable composites for wind energy are all technologies and materials contributing to decarbonization processes. This article covers some of the developments being made within these industries.

One solution to growing economic uncertainty, energy price increases, and fuel uncertainty may be turning towards oil and gas reserves that have previously been untapped. This article covers technologies including carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery and gas separation membranes.

As battery technology rapidly advances in cost, performance, and reliability, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are struggling to gain market traction. While FCEVs are seen as ideal for long-haul trucking, they aim to break into the larger passenger car market. IDTechEx explores their potential in this space by examining automaker strategies, past trends, and tech comparisons

There is an increasing need for efficient and scalable storage, necessary to keep up with the increasing demands of data storage that is becoming more prevalent each year. This article covers developments and demand for data centers, AI, and edge computing.

3D weaving is emerging as one of the cutting-edge options for spacecraft thermal protection. Could these technologies mark a significant breakthrough and a paradigm shift in the field of thermal protection systems?

The new market report "Thermal Management for Advanced Semiconductor Packaging 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets, and Opportunities" provides critical market intelligence on the power and thermal management challenges of advanced semiconductor packaging (2.5D and 3D), novel thermal materials, and the trend of liquid cooling solutions.

Collaborative robots (cobots), driven by AI, machine vision, and modular designs, are revolutionizing smart factories by enhancing human-robot collaboration, achieving 95%+ accuracy in tasks, and targeting a US$29.8 billion market by 2035.

Webinar: Stronger, Lighter, Greener: Transforming Renewable Energy with Advanced Composites Date: Thursday 17 July 2025 Presenter: Maia Benstead, Technology Analyst, IDTechEx

Nuclei and sun-powered vehicles, emission-free data center ecosystems, and hydrogen-fuelled planes are just some of the potential building blocks of a cleaner energy future. This article explores the future possibilities of developing energy technologies.

White biotechnology refers to the use of biological systems for the industrial production of bio-based products, aiming to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower the carbon footprint of materials. This article covers main feedstocks and the molecules made via white biotechnology.

Li-ion battery (LIB) recyclers have continued to gather large volumes of new funding, form new strategic partnerships, and commission large-scale facilities over the last few years. This article explores how tariffs and policy changes may affect the US market and analyzes the likelihood of EU LIB recyclers and automotive OEMs reaching minimum recycled contents targets as mandated by the EU Battery Regulation.

This US$15 billion industry has grown and reached maturity in many sectors, but what are the technologies on the horizon that could be the next big leap forward for MEMS? This brand-new report by IDTechEx focuses on the cutting-edge next-generation MEMS technologies that are preparing to disrupt the industry, highlighting 3 key areas

Carbon capture presents opportunities for MOFs in both point source and direct air capture which are necessary for meeting net zero goals. This article explores the different applications for MOFs, and their production processes.

Nuclear fusion describes a reaction that takes place in which two or more atomic nuclei are fused to form one or more nuclei and some neutrons, and could provide continuous green energy. This article explores the processes, market drivers, and landscape of fusion energy.

Conventional battery pack sensors measure the voltage, current and temperature of cells within the pack. However, it is increasingly clear that additional sensors would significantly enhance safety and allow for early warning and even prevention of thermal runaway, and in turn battery fires, in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS). Gas sensors, pressure sensors, moisture sensors, humidity sensors and aerosol sensors can all play a role.

Steel production is responsible for around 10% of global CO2 emissions, and demand continues to grow. This article covers the methods of producing green steel and its decarbonization benefits.

The porous structures of ion exchange membranes with ionically charged chemical side chains allow them to selectively transport specific ions while blocking others. This article covers technologies and key applications of ion exchange membranes.

At IDTechEx, we closely track the global semiconductor and computing landscape, spanning advanced silicon nodes, HPC (High Performance Computing) hardware, AI, advanced semiconductor packaging, photonics, and quantum computing. This article examines how geopolitical tensions are redirecting global investments in advanced semiconductor technologies, reshaping the semiconductor supply chain in pursuit of technological sovereignty.

The two main systems that make up a vehicle's in-cabin sensing are the driver monitoring system (DMS) and occupant monitoring system (OMS). IDTechEx explores their differences and the technology behind them.

Different battery chemistries all have their own unique cost profiles and electrochemical performances, including energy densities and cycle lives. This article explores materials for lithium-ion cells and covers some of the main demand within the battery materials sector.

Carbon dioxide removal has an important role to play in climate strategies for businesses and governments alike. This new IDTechEx article explores three key carbon dioxide removal technologies.

Next generation feedstocks are aimed at providing a solution to the challenge of embedded carbon emissions stemming from conventional chemical manufacturing. This article explores the some popular next-generation feedstocks, along with strengths and drawbacks of the processes.

Smart glasses could create real life subtitles for clearer interactions, while helmets for firefighters or policemen with sensing technology could make high-risk jobs safer. This article explores a future of accessible technologies to bring ease to daily life.

The commercial space industry has taken off in recent years with a surge in launches and exponential growth, creating a need for increased thermal protection systems. This article explores aerobraking as one approach to thermal management for spacecrafts.

Aerogels sit in a crossover between cell-level protection materials, and pack-level protection materials. This article explores how aerogels can perform excellently as both insulators and fire protection materials and are becoming increasingly common in electric vehicles.

Webinar: The Growing Role of Gas Sensors in Battery Pack Systems Date: Thursday 10 July Presenter: Daniel Parr, Technology Analyst, IDTechEx

Extending the lifespan of goods and enhancing safety by limiting the potential for failure of materials prove self-healing materials to be a revolutionary technology. This article explores how self-healing materials could reduce the need for excess maintenance costs with different levels of autonomy.

With plastic production having grown to 502 million tonnes in 2024, while being expected to continue to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%, the need for a sustainable intervention is evident. This article covers the development of biobased plastics from renewable feedstocks as a step towards circularity.

Over 1 in 4 micro vehicles sold in 2023 were electric; quick growth that has not yet been matched by other segments including electric vans and passenger cars. This article covers the global micro EV picture, revealing drivers for the uptake of micro EVs globally.

This article explores the transformative potential of solid-state batteries (SSBs), forecast to be a US$9 billion market by 2035, and provides an in-depth analysis of technological advances, manufacturing progress, commercialization challenges, and global supply chain shifts, particularly in electric vehicle and industrial applications.

Following decades of hype and false dawns, nanocarbons are now beginning to see substantial market adoption and growth. This article delves into the continued growth of the carbon nanotube market, which is set to exceed $1.25 billion by 20235. IDTechEx assesses the key applications driving the growth, and the leading players poised to take a significant market share.

Webinar: Emerging Materials and Decarbonization Applications for Gas Separation Membranes Presenter: Eve Pope, Senior Technology Analyst, IDTechEx Date: Tuesday 24 June Choose your preferred time zone - the webinar runs three times during the day.