Nanostructured Materials for Energy, Catalysis and Structural Applications

Report Highlights

• The global market for nanoparticles used in energy, catalytic, and structural applications increased from $322.9 million in 2006 to an estimated $364.9 million in 2007. It should reach $1.3 billion by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29.8%.
• Catalytic applications have the largest share of the market but are expected to drop to 26.6% of the total market by 2012.
• Energy applications should grow from 15.1% of the total market in 2006 to 45% by 2012.

INTRODUCTION

The nanotechnology field has continued to develop rapidly in the six years since these three reports were published. In light of these developments, BCC has decided to take a fresh look at the industry and reevaluate the existing and potential markets for nanoparticulate materials. The present report is an update of the 2001 report volume on energy, catalytic and structural applications of nanoparticles.

There are a number of other published reports and studies covering various aspects of the market for nanoparticles and nanostructured materials. However, the literature lacks a comprehensive, up-to-date, and realistic technical market assessment that focuses on nanoparticles in the applications covered by this report.

Since these applications are a major target market for many suppliers of nanoparticles and related technologies, BCC believes that this represents a significant gap in the recent literature. The primary objective of this report is to provide technological background, detailed industry information, and market data and forecasts through 2012, segmented by application and material type.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report contains:

• Descriptions of various types of nanoparticles used as, or to produce, automotive catalysts, ceramic membranes, fuel cells, photocatalysts, propellants and explosives, scratch-resistant coatings, structural ceramics, and thermal spray coatings, among other applications
• The current market status for nanoparticles, trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• An overview of the major technologies used in producing nanostructured particles, as well as dispersion, coating, compaction, and self-assembly technologies
• Analysis of nanomaterials-related patents issued during the past 2 years
• Profiles of major and minor companies working with nanoparticles.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

The data in this report were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Executives, engineers, managers, researchers, and salespeople from companies and research institutions involved in the development, production, and/or usage of nanostructured materials were interviewed in the course of this study. Other data were obtained from an exhaustive review of patent literature and government databases, as well as scientific, trade, and business journals and company literature. BCC newsletters, reports, and conferences provided additional information.

ANALYST CREDENTIALS

This report is an update of an earlier report prepared in 2001 by Mindy N. Rittner, Ph.D. Ms. Rittner, who holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science from Northwestern University, was formerly Director of Nanotechnology Research at BCC. She was the founder and editor of BCC's monthly newsletter, Nanoparticle News, and the program chairwoman of BCC's annual nanopowder conference.

The analyst responsible for updating the report is Andrew McWilliams, a partner in the Boston-based international technology and marketing consulting firm, 43rd Parallel LLC. Mr. McWilliams is the author of several other BCC reports on nanomaterials and nanotechnologies, including Advanced Ceramics and Nano Ceramic Powders; Nanotechnology: A Realistic Market Assessment; Nanomaterials Markets by Type; Nanotechnology in Energy Applications; and Nanocatalysts.