Critical Materials in Nanotechnology

Global market for critical materials in nanotechnology to reach nearly $9.4 billion by 2018. Critical materials are economically and/or strategically important raw materials that are at significant risk of supply disruptions as a result of resource limitations, political instability in producing areas, or political decisions by producer governments. Potential shortages of critical materials and related price increases can impact the nanotechnology industry in two ways: by jeopardizing existing nanotechnology applications of these materials and by creating new opportunities for other nanotechnology applications.

“Critical materials” is a relative term. The list of critical materials varies among countries and industries, depending on their specific circumstances. In selecting the materials to be covered in this report, we drew from a number of sources, including reports published by the U.S. Department of Energy, the European Union, the British Geological Survey and the German Institut für Zukunftstudien und Technologie-bewertung.

Not all of the critical materials identified in these reports have implications for the nanotechnology market. This study focuses on those critical materials that have potential nanotechnology applications or for which nanotechnology-based substitutes exist:

• Antimony


• Barium


• Gallium


• Indium


• Magnesium


• Niobium


• Platinum group metals (PGMs)


• Rare earths (e.g., yttrium, dysprosium, erbium, terbium, thulium, scandium)


• Rhenium


• Tantalum


• Tellurium


• Tungsten

New market research report entitled  “Critical Materials in Global Nanotechnology Markets” provides an in-depth analysis of the global market for critical materials in nanotechnology through its report Critical Materials in Global Nanotechnology Markets. According to the report, this market was valued at nearly $6.5 billion in 2012 and is expected to increase to nearly $6.9 billion in 2013.  According to this report,  the market will grow to nearly $9.4 billion by 2018, and register a five-year compound annual growth rate of 6.5% from 2013 to 2018.

Use this report to: 

• Gain a market overview of the critical materials used in global nanotechnology industries.


• Analyze global market trends, with data from 2012, estimates for 2013, and projections of CAGRs for the period 2013 and 2018.


• Examine coverage of those critical materials whose shortages can be alleviated or avoided through the application of various nanotechnologies.


• Assess quantifications of potential reductions in critical materials consumption and the net economic cost to achieve them.


• Review comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industries covered.

Critical Materials in Nanotechnology