Dr Conor O'Brien Principal Technology Analyst

Bio

Dr Conor O'Brien is a Principal Technology Analyst at IDTechEx, predominantly concerned with the topic of advanced materials, from novel nanomaterials to the utilisation of emerging materials and technologies in a wide range of applications. He leads a team of analysts that cover a range of topics including materials, biomaterials, hydrogen and carbon capture. Having previously studied at Trinity College Dublin, Conor obtained a PhD from the University of Manchester, working in the National Graphene Institute.

Education

Conor received his BA degree in Nanoscience, Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials from Trinity College Dublin in 2017. Conor conducted his final year research project with Infineon Technologies in Munich, and was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal from Trinity College, on the basis of receiving a first-class honours degree with exceptional merit.

Conor moved to the UK in 2017 to the University of Manchester, famed for the isolation of graphene in 2004. As part of obtaining a PhD, Conor's research dealt with understanding the tearing mechanism of 2D material reinforced elastomer composites, employing the novel technique of X-ray computed tomography to image the internal morphology of the composite during tearing.

Research Field

Conor's work at IDTechEx covers advanced materials research, including markets and technologies, with particular expertise on nanocarbons such as graphene and carbon nanotubes. Beyond 2D materials, Conor also holds an interest in the advanced materials that are underpinning the energy and decarbonization sector, with a focus on the fuel cell industry.

Consulting

Competitive analysis on the use of nanocarbon materials: A leading global petrochemical company had identified a trend of competitors increasing their activity and investment in the nanocarbon industry. IDTechEx provided a comprehensive analysis of the different materials within the nanocarbon umbrella, including manufacturing methods with an emphasis on waste materials from petrochemicals as feedstocks. The study concluded with forecasts for the market size of nanocarbon materials segmented by their use in key emerging markets.
Assessing market size for a novel speciality material: A multibillion-dollar chemical company wanted to understand the actual market size in a speciality material. IDTechEx identified and interviewed the key players around the world, including the companies using the material and those supplying equipment for it to verify the market size. The detailed analysis helped our client reevaluate the resources it allocates to this business unit.

Speaking at Forthcoming Events

International Battery Seminar & Exhibit 2026

Orlando - 23 - 26 Mar 2026

IDTechEx CEO Raghu Das, Principal Technology Analyst Dr Conor O'Brien and Technology Analyst Pranav Jaswani will be at the event. Meet the team at stand #611. Dr O'Brien is presenting in the conference. Founded in 1983, the International Battery Seminar & Exhibit has established itself as the premier event showcasing the state of the art of worldwide energy storage technology developments for consumer, automotive, military, grid, and industrial applications. As the longest-running annual battery industry event in the world, this meeting has always been the preferred venue to announce significant developments, new products, and showcase the most advanced battery technology. For example, Sony chose the International Battery Seminar as the platform to first announce its lithium-ion technology in 1991, an accomplishment that has since gone on to change the world.

NanoCarbon Annual Conference 2026

Wurzburg - 5 - 6 May 2026

IDTechEx Principal Technology Analyst Dr Conor O'Brien will be presenting and chairing a panel discussion.