Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) will bring its work on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to a close, and will divert its development activities more intently on topics that are closely linked to its core business.

Precisely how the research results and know-how for the production and application CNT will be used further will be determined shortly.

Researchers from BMS had collaborated with external partners in recent years to resolve complex issues related to the safe production of specific carbon nanotubes. Methods for scaling up the production processes were developed, as were new generations of catalysts and new types of products.

Much of the knowledge gleaned over recent years was made available to other companies and research institutions within the Innovation Alliance Carbon Nanotubes (Inno.CNT), which counts BMS among its roughly 90 members.

CEO Patrick Thomas said that they are convinced of the huge potential in carbon nanotubes, although it has been found that the potential areas of application that once seemed promising from a technical standpoint are currently either very fragmented or have few overlaps with the company's core products and their application spectrum.

"For BMS, groundbreaking applications for the mass market relating to our own portfolio and therefore comprehensive commercialization are not likely in the foreseeable future," Thomas said.

Nonetheless, this know-how provides an important basis for a possible later use of CNT, for example in the optimisation of lithium ion batteries, Thomas said. "We are currently in contact with potential interested parties regarding the specific application of the know-how generated," he added.

Furthermore, the BMS assured that the conclusion of the nano projects has no impact on the headcount. All 30 people employed in this sector will be transferred to other suitable positions within the Group.