Achieving the strongest, thinnest, and most conductive graphene would require manufacturers to grow a perfect single layer, which can be tricky. Carbon nanotubes are another type of carbon allotrope with the same chemical formula as graphene but a different visible structure. IDTechEx explores multiple applications for graphene within the wider market, alongside other carbon allotropes that have their own unique qualities.

A free collection of insights from our industry experts, sharing some of the key technology innovation trends shaping the next decade.

Thursday 30 January 2025 - Introduction to diabetes and the role of medical devices in managing blood glucose; Roadmap of glucose sensing technologies including recent developments in continuous glucose monitoring; Discussion of insulin delivery options, including key challenges of each; Future of diabetes management technologies

Tuesday 28 January 2025 - The opportunity for 3D Electronics; What is In-mold Electronics; Commercial progress of In-Mold Electronics; 10 year outlook

By far, the biggest factor that determines the range and cost of an electric car is the battery. The now ubiquitous lithium-ion battery comes in a variety of chemistries. The first commercialized Li-ion batteries were lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), which remains the chemistry of choice in portable electronic devices, but the quest for a higher range has led to a search for new chemistries.

Solar power is one of the fastest growing renewable energy technologies. In 2023 alone, over 340 GW of new solar power was installed. With rising energy demands, concerns over energy security, and increasing decarbonization goals, solar power installations are only anticipated to rise.

Quantum computers can be built in many ways. You may be familiar with the competing modalities claiming to offer various advantages over others in terms of quality, scalability, cost, and more. However, it is increasingly apparent across them all that new generations of optics and photonics technologies will be essential. This opens an exciting supply chain opportunity for many players, old and new, in the photonics eco-system.

With over 800 million people with diabetes in the world today, the market for diabetes management is substantial. IDTechEx forecasts the market for diabetes management technologies to exceed US$44 billion by 2035, with continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and insulin pump markets driving growth in the next ten years.

IDTechEx's diverse portfolio of sustainability reports covers topics from PFAS to bioplastics, and explores regulations and emerging technologies that combined, highlight a growing global environmental awareness and the need for increased sustainability trends.

Greater integration of electronics within 3D structures is an ever-increasing trend, representing a more sophisticated solution compared to the current approach of mounting rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs) behind decorative surfaces. In-mold electronics (IME) facilitates this trend by enabling integrated functionalities to be incorporated into components with decorative thermoformed 3D surfaces.

Sensor technology comes in many shapes and sizes, designed to measure a wide range of metrics for a host of different applications. There are sensors to collect data from almost all physical parameters: motion, magnetic field, current, temperature, force-light intensity - the list goes on. These miniaturized components are everywhere, from our smart-phones and home appliances to within cars, factories, and satellites.

Global demand for low-carbon cement is increasing. Government regulation for low-carbon cement production is strongest in the European Union, and the US government has been particularly active in green public procurement. Private sector demand is growing, and the advent of book and claim systems could accelerate this market even further.

Chiplet technology is poised to revolutionize the semiconductor industry by offering a flexible, cost-effective solution that enhances performance while addressing supply chain challenges. As outlined in the IDTechEx report "Chiplet Technology 2025-2035: Technology, Opportunities, Applications," this technology will continue to create opportunities for innovation across various sectors, driving growth and fostering collaboration among industry players.

IDTechEx reports positive growth of Li-ion batteries to be expected over the coming years, largely due to policy, technological improvements, and demand in major sectors such as the EV market and stationary energy storage.

Copper has been used in cars for as long as vehicles have had electrically powered features. Its main use today is as the vehicle's central nervous system, connecting a network of sensors, actuators, displays, and more to the vehicle's ECU brains. As cars evolve and utilize more electronic components, the demand for wiring will inevitably increase.

Thursday 19 December 2024 - What is quantum computing, and what is the state of the industry?; How is the industry evolving as commercialisation ramps up?; How do scalability challenges vary between quantum computing modalities?; What are some key updates from major players in the eco-system from 2024?; Which trends can be expected in the quantum computing market in 2025 and beyond?

The e-fuels sector stands at a critical juncture in its evolution from laboratory innovation and demonstration projects to industrial-scale production. While significant progress has been made in technology development and market interest, evidenced by substantial corporate investments and supportive policy frameworks, considerable challenges remain.

As applications for wearable technology grow, there are increasing opportunities for sensors that can detect more advanced metrics, be integrated into novel form factors, offer enhanced performance, or demand less power and space. Innovations in wearable sensor technology are expanding the envelope of biometrics accessible through watches and skin patches, addressing the rising demand for remote patient monitoring and decentralized clinical trials but also increasing consumer expectations.

With so many PFAS in use worldwide, it is unsurprising that PFAS contamination has become a global issue impacting human and environmental health. Extensive remediation efforts will need to be conducted to deal with such widespread PFAS contamination, which will cost a significant amount of money. IDTechEx estimates that global expenditure on PFAS treatment for municipal drinking water alone will reach US$2.3 billion in 2035.

As quantum computing capabilities are becoming more sophisticated, so has engagement from research institutions and supercomputing centers who are investing tens of millions for on-premises installations of the latest machines. So, as pressure mounts on quantum computing to continue showing it is on track to provide a return on investment from governments and private ventures alike - what are the crucial next steps?