Dr Conor O'Brien Senior Technology Analyst
Bio
Dr Conor O'Brien is a Senior 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. 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.
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Recent Work
Research Articles
- Dispersions Hold the Key for Carbon Nanotube Success
- Billion Dollar Carbon Nanotube Market Continues to Grow
- Self-Healing Materials Unlock the Potential of Tomorrow's Technogy
- Self-Healing Materials Market Grows in Construction Industry
- Self-Healing Materials to Build on Success in Construction Industry
Reports Authored
- Additives for Li-ion Batteries & PFAS-Free Batteries 2026-2036: Technologies, Players, Forecasts
- Materials for Green Hydrogen Production 2026-2036: Technologies, Players, Forecasts
- Carbon Nanotubes 2025-2035: Market, Technology & Players
- Ion Exchange Membranes 2025-2035: Technologies, Markets, Forecasts
- Self-Healing Materials 2025-2035: Technologies, Applications, and Players