Research Articles

The current conflict in Iran has resulted in a sudden hike in fertilizer prices, now up to US$567 per tonne according to the BBC. Could this drive local low-cost ammonia production?

This article evaluates some of the strengths and weaknesses of reflective and diffractive waveguides used in augmented reality (AR) optics for smart glasses.

This article describes the variety of optics required for XR (extended reality) devices. For AR glasses, this includes waveguides and other technologies such as birdbath combiners, whilst for VR headsets, solutions include pancake, Fresnel, and aspheric lenses. Across XR devices, different optics solutions are required based on the intended use case, with a variety of factors contributing to the suitability of an optics technology for a specific device. Factors include weight, optical efficiency, image quality, form factor, and cost.

The article explains some of the benefits that adoption of new advanced coating technologies can bring. This can come both in terms of higher performance, as well as supporting both direct and indirect regulatory compliance. These benefits can be brought to several industries, such as automotive, oil & gas, aerospace, construction and wind energy.

IDTechEx explores the outlook and uses for advanced coatings in electric vehicles.

In electric vehicle (EV) batteries, coatings play a critical role in enhancing performance, safety and longevity. This article highlights the latest technologies, developments, applications and outlook for advanced coatings in EV battery applications. Fire protection, dielectric insulation, corrosion protection and thermally conductive coatings are all covered.

This article discusses some of the potential applications of advanced coatings technologies. Coatings are a vital tool in a multitude of industries globally. Find out more in IDTechEx's latest report, 'Advanced Coatings 2026-2036: Market, Technologies, Players'.

Lignin, once largely burned for energy, is now being explored as a valuable input for a wide range of green applications. In this article, IDTechEx provides insight into three lignin extraction technologies enabling new applications. All are approaching commercialization.

This article discusses the potential of alternative chemical feedstocks, such as lignocellulosic waste, to produce sustainable chemicals. Next-generation chemical feedstocks are a vital tool in the global effort towards decarbonization.

Conventional printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing is wasteful, harmful to the environment and energy intensive. This can be mitigated by the implementation of new recyclable materials and technologies, which have the potential to revolutionize electronics manufacturing.

In 2023 alone, semiconductor giant TSMC reported consumption of a staggering 101 million m3 of water, highlighting the scale of thirst in this fast-growing sector. Furthermore, as node technology advances, so do the number of manufacturing process steps, and the usage of single wafer tools instead of batch tools, making the task of reducing water usage both challenging and even more critical.

The electronics market is vast, with integrated circuits (ICs) being the third most traded product globally, presenting significant opportunities for sustainable electronics innovation. Action is currently being undertaken by many well-known electronics manufacturers to improve the sustainability and efficiency of their products. This includes water management strategies for semiconductor manufacturing, with over 500 billion liters of water used annually by the industry.