Research Articles

With the ever-increasing need for heat dissipation, high-performance thermal interface materials (TIMs) with higher thermal conductivity and other properties are becoming essential. Driven by this trend, a number of high-performance TIMs are emerging. This article primarily introduces the advantages and drawbacks of advanced carbon-based TIMs. However, it is worth noting that many other TIMs offer superior performance. For a holistic view of the TIM industry, please refer to IDTechEx's research report, "Thermal Interface Materials 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets and Forecasts".

Supercapacitors are energy storage devices that offer distinct properties when compared to batteries. Supercapacitors have higher power density and lower energy density than batteries. They also have a significantly larger cycle lifetime, in the tens of thousands, which enables them to undergo frequent charge-discharge cycles without degradation. This allows them to perform in applications where batteries are not appropriate. IDTechEx covers supercapacitors in detail in its recent report: "Supercapacitors 2026-2036: Technologies, Applications and Forecasts".

Thermal management has an imperative role to play in the landscape of advancing modern technologies. This article explores applications from high-performance computing and data centers to advanced batteries in electric vehicles.

Graphene is a material that has received significant attention and hype, with its commercial adoption to date more of a material push than a market pull, as a killer application is sought. Bulk applications are being validated and will see uptake in the future, but this article outlines how short-term adoption will be led by consumer products, particularly those in the prosumer / luxury category.

IDTechEx analyst Dr Xiaoxi He covers solid-state battery technologies and their outlook.

The climate crisis demands diversity in decarbonization solutions. From CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage) to renewable electricity from wind and solar power, many green technologies must grow in tandem. In this article, IDTechEx explores how electrochemical technologies could redefine carbon capture as an energy asset.

In recent years, optical transceiver technology has been steadily shifting toward placing the optics closer to the ASIC. Many in the industry expect the transition to progress directly toward fully integrated solutions such as co-packaged optics. IDTechEx's new report "Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) 2026-2036: Technologies, Market, and Forecasts" examines this transition in detail.

The transition to 800V EVs is one which affects the whole powertrain, including the power electronics. In IDTechEx's report, Power Electronics for Electric Vehicles 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets, and Forecasts, these trends are analysed and used to forecast the adoption of wide bandgap semiconductors SiC and GaN, as well as the entire power electronics market for electric vehicles (EV).

As the demand for clean green hydrogen grows, electrolyser demand will grow in tandem. This article details which electrolyser components will seize market value based on adoption of different electrolyser technology solutions.

IDTechEx analyst Mika Takahashi assesses non terrestrial networks in this IDTechEx video.

Drones have transitioned from experimental tools into essential infrastructure across agriculture, logistics, energy, security, and public-sector operations. According to the newly released IDTechEx report "Drones Market 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets, and Opportunities", the global drone market, including consumer, commercial, and defense platforms, is projected to grow from approximately US$69 billion in 2026 to US$147.8 billion by 2036, corresponding to a 7.9% CAGR.

BYD's recent disclosure via its FinDreams Battery website marks a visible inflection point for solid-state batteries (SSBs): the technology is moving from quiet development into structured demonstration timelines and supply-chain repositioning, with distinct materials choices that diverge from other leading OEM routes. This momentum, alongside public road tests and pilot-line progress across the US, Europe, and Asia, suggests SSBs are entering early deployment while broader automotive integration is targeted later this decade.

This article covers the use of self-healing and sustainable materials in infrastructure and vehicle manufacturing, and how they may promote environmental awareness, safety, and lowered long-term costs.

This article highlights the materials opportunities across quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications, dividing them into three materials platforms: superconducting chips, photonics (including PICs), and nanomaterials.

IDTechEx analyst Dr Jack Howley covers the critical material recovery market, concluding that over 8 million tons of critical materials will be recovered per year by 2046.

The rise of the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) is transforming not only passenger cars but also the commercial vehicle industry, which is reshaping how trucks, vans, and specialty vehicles are designed, operated, and maintained.

IDTechEx forecasts that the global sensor market will reach $250B in annual revenue by 2036, as global mega-trends in AI, future mobility, wearables, edge computing, and automation drive renewed growth opportunities. Next generation sensor technology innovations in quantum sensors, ADAS sensors, image sensors, MEMS, photonic integrated circuits, and printed sensor markets will be key to realizing the highest growth opportunities over the next decade.

The reliability of high-tech, miniaturized technologies is something easily assumed, but could they be reaching their peak? The looming presence of recent solar flare activity impacting communications is a reminder of the large and ever-present phenomenon of outer space, and could mean preparing for the return of communication-by-pigeon.

The sensitivity and unmatched performance of quantum technologies is allowing for great advancements across a number of major sectors, including sensors, computing, and communication. This article explores a few of the recent developments and applications within commercial sectors.

The global RFID market continues to expand, with IDTechEx forecasting growth from US$15.6 billion in 2025 to US$23 billion by 2036. and associated software and services across both passive and active technologies. Drawing on insights from IDTechEx's latest research study, "RFID 2026-2036: Forecasts, Players and Opportunities", this article provides a high-level overview of the market outlook and examines regional trends across the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa.

Join IDTechEx Senior Technology Analyst Dr Shababa Selim for this 30-minute webinar, where she will be sharing insights from the brand-new market report "Low-Loss Materials for 5G/6G, Radar, and High-Speed Digital 2026-2036: Markets, Trends, and Forecasts".

Functionality is at the heart of in-mold electronics - a technology concerned with creating seamlessly integrated electronic functions into hardware, particularly within automotive interiors. This article covers the latest innovations within IME and the role it can play in the automotive sector.

Join IDTechEx Senior Technology Analyst Conrad Nichols for this 30-minute webinar, which examines key applications for RFBs, the advantages of the technology to be leveraged, and provides an update on the global flow batteries market.

Despite a year of critical material supply disruptions, technology mega-trends in decarbonization, electrification, automation and AI continue to fuel demand for high-performance rare earth magnets. IDTechEx forecasts that rare earth magnet demand will reach 332 ktpa by 2036 and breaks down usage and adoption trends in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and robotics growth markets.

IDTechEx, along with many other industry experts, are expecting robotaxis to become a common sight in major cities over the next twenty years. The business case for robotaxis, although not without its obstacles, is compelling. However, in the meantime, there will still be billions of privately owned vehicles on the roads. This article considers the case for autonomous private vehicles and the software market: from adaptive cruise control to true autonomy, everywhere.

In October 2025, Virgin Media (one of the UK's largest telecom operators) signed a landmark partnership with Starlink to provide D2C (direct-to-cell) mobile services from 2026. Although this technology will harness the same satellites as those used for Starlink's satellite Wi-Fi, IDTechEx's latest report on 6G unpacks how D2C mobile services face fundamental physical challenges that will affect their performance compared with satellite Wi-Fi.

IDTechEx's report titled "Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) 2026 to 2036: Technologies, Market, and Forecasts" reviews recent advances in CPO technology, tracks emerging packaging approaches, assesses the strategies of leading companies, and provides long term market forecasts. The report highlights how CPO adoption is set to reshape data center infrastructure in the coming decade.

IDTechEx analyst Dr Conor O'Brien covers the outlook for graphene through to 2036.

Robotics are becoming increasingly integrated into all main aspects of driving and the automotive sector as a whole. This article covers some of the main uses for robotics in vehicle operation and manufacturing processes, including radar for safety, and humanoid robots for assembly.

As of 2025, single-phase direct-to-chip (D2C) cooling remains the dominant solution for high-end GPU thermal management. However, as thermal design power (TDP) continues to climb, two-phase D2C cooling is expected to become essential, with large-scale adoption projected around 2026-2027.

With the growing scrutiny of Li-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) safety, demand for passive materials and active technologies is set to grow. BESS developers are all adopting different strategies to ensure that their systems can strike the right balance of safety against overall system cost.

Join Dr Conor O'Brien on Thursday 11th December for an insightful webinar on "Materials Trends for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells". The webinar will include an introduction to PEM fuel cells, an overview of the key applications driving market growth, a breakdown of the forecast market value in 2036 segmented by fuel cell component, and a detailed discussion of the major materials trends in the sector for the core components.

As global demand for critical rare earths, battery materials, and semiconductors surges, end-of-life waste is quickly transforming into a strategic goldmine of critical materials. With IDTechEx forecasting that over US$66B of critical material value will be recovered from waste annually by 2046, IDTechEx evaluates hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and other emerging recycling technologies for critical material recovery.

Join IDTechEx Research Analyst Dr Xiaoxi He on Tuesday 2nd December for an insightful webinar, "Solid-State Batteries: Decoding the Next Leap in Performance, Value, and Market Readiness". Attendees will gain an integrated understanding of where the sector stands in late 2025 and how priorities are shifting toward manufacturability, scalability, and sustainability.

Translating the body's signals into readable measurements or partaking in the enjoyment of gaming are ever-expanding possibilities with streamlined and accessible wearable devices. This article explores a wide range of wearables, including smart watches, glasses, mouthguards, glucose patches, VR headsets, and brain computer interfaces.

Stationary fuel cells and green hydrogen production have been two main points of interest under the hydrogen umbrella, with the rise of decarbonization and sustainable energy trends making way for innovations within the renewable energy sector. This article explores some of the latest developments within the hydrogen sector.