Intercalated carbon nanotube-based conductive material, manufacturing methods and uses thereof

Patent details

Status

European patent filed

Inventors

Ana Inés de Isidro Gómez, Soheila Ebrahimi Koodehi, Juan José Vilatela García

Application number

EP26382571.3

Applicant

IMDEA Materials Institute

Priority date

21/04/2026

Transfer opportunity

Technology License

Summary

Carbon nanotube fibres are attractive candidates for lightweight electrical conductors, but translating the exceptional properties of individual nanotubes into practical macroscopic materials remains a major technical challenge. This technology addresses that gap through a carbon nanotube conductor platform engineered to deliver electrical conductivity up to 24.5 MS/m, specific conductivity above that of conventional metals, and a combination of strength and weight that is highly attractive for next-generation conductor applications.

The technology is relevant for lightweight cables, power or data transmission, high-power-density electrical machines, energy storage current collectors and electromagnetic interference shielding.

Description

More information in the Science article: A. I. de Isidro-Gómez et al., Intercalated carbon nanotube fibres with high specific electrical conductivity. Science 392, 395-400 (2026). DOI:10.1126/science.aeb0673

Advantages

  • High performance per unit weight: specific conductivity values exceed those of conventional metals, making the material attractive where mass reduction is critical.
  • Strong, lightweight conductor format: combine high conductivity with tensile performance above that of aluminium and copper, and are positioned as lightweight alternatives to conventional overhead conductors.
  • Macroscopic and application-oriented: the material is produced in fibre-like formats suitable for conductor architectures.
  • Preserved mechanical integrity: the non-covalent charge-transfer approach increases carrier density while maintaining the carbon nanotube backbone, supporting flexibility and robustness.

Contact

Technology Transfer and Innovation Office, IMDEA Materials Institute

Email: techtransfer@imdeamaterials.org

Telephone: +34 91 5493422