New - Nanocarbons

Carbon Nano-Onions: a revolution at the heart of the material

Same family as carbon nanotubes, with comparable electrical and mechanical properties, but a closed spherical geometry that changes everything in use.

Where nanotubes tangle, CNOs disperse evenly through a polymer matrix. Just 0.1 to 1% by weight is enough to improve conductivity, wear resistance and service life.

Our role

With our technology partner, we are opening up industrial access to this material: a proprietary process that produces high-purity CNOs from recovered streams, at a cost structure far removed from the prices charged until now. Valo-Solutions handles exclusive distribution and project management for industry. A life cycle assessment is under way to quantify the channel's environmental impact.

3D view of a Carbon Nano-Onion: concentric graphene shells in cross-section

Structure of a Carbon Nano-Onion: concentric graphene shells, nested like the layers of an onion.

Watch the introduction video

< 10 t
Annual worldwide productionUntil now: 20 t
Available through Valo-SolutionsAnnual volume, high purity

The first figure explains why CNOs spent thirty years in fundamental research laboratories. The second is what is changing today.

Our CNOs

Concentric shells: 40 - 60
Diameter: 30 - 60nm
BET specific surface area: 130m²/g
Purity: ≥ 99.5%

Surface functionalisation to match the target application: -COOH, -NH₂, -SH, nitrogen doping.

Our approach

A fast test project, delivered as a masterbatch

An available material is worth nothing without an application that holds up in production. So we start from your technical challenge, not from the material, and we deliver something that fits straight into your line.

You describe the application

Technical challenge, desired performance, target polymer matrix.

We formulate and test

Which CNO grade, what dosage, what measured added value. Laboratory trials.

You receive the masterbatch

A ready-to-use product embedding the CNOs in your material, with proof of the new functionalities.

Timeline: A few weeks to a few months, from defining the challenge to delivery.
Cost: Defined in the first step, at cost, deducted from any subsequent CNO purchase.
Matrices: Already proven on natural latex, POM and epoxy resin. Matrix supplied by you or by us.

Ongoing application

Rubber compound loaded with functionalised CNOs

One of the first industrial applications validated in real conditions. Exact values are covered by a non-disclosure agreement; orders of magnitude can be shared.

Service life

Significant increase compared with the control sample.

Abrasion resistance

Improvement measured in the laboratory, following a standardised DIN protocol.

Rolling resistance

Measured reduction, meaning an energy-efficiency gain across the whole life cycle.

Have an application in mind?

Let's talk about your technical challenge and see what CNOs can bring to your material.