Research Articles

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.

IDTechEx explores the impact of the US$1 billion acquisition in the quantum computing industry, where two major computing companies, IonQ and Oxford Ionics, have recently signed a deal.

Faced with rising raw material costs from tariffs, labor shortages, and increasing operational pressures, the automotive and material-handling industries are turning to collaborative robots (cobots) as a flexible, cost-saving solution to boost efficiency, reduce downtime, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape.

Webinar Title: Carbon Nanotubes: On the Path to Commercial Success Date: Thursday 19 June 2025 Presenter: Dr Conor O'Brien, Senior Technology Analyst, IDTechEx Choose your preferred time zone - the webinar runs three times during the day.

Ion exchange membranes are emerging as critical materials in the transition to green energy. Emerging applications in hydrogen fuel cells, water electrolyzers, and redox flow batteries are expected to drive significant market growth through 2035.

In this article, IDTechEx analyzes two of the specialized materials needed in a fusion reactor: the plasma facing material and the breeder blanket. Their requirements, the critical raw materials needed, and possible disruptors to their supply chain are discussed, along with a market outlook for the fusion industry.

The article highlights the rapid growth of the humanoid robot market through 2035, emphasizing a projected $10 billion opportunity in sensory components, especially tactile sensors, LiDAR, and cameras, as demand for dexterous and spatially aware robots increases

Key applications, both mature and emerging, for gas separation membranes include biogas upgrading, natural gas processing, carbon capture, and hydrogen separation. As gas separation membrane markets grow, start-ups seek to commercialize new membrane materials and composite structures.