Basic Chemicals
Production of fundamental chemical raw materials such as acids, alkalis, salts, and industrial gases.
- Refining and Petrochemicals
Advanced Materials
- Advanced Polymers
- Composite Materials
- Electronic Chemicals
Consumer Chemicals
Specialty Chemicals
Production of high-value-added, high-tech chemicals such as food additives, coatings, and pesticides.
Lithium Battery Materials
The lithium battery materials sector is driven by the explosive growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. Key materials include cathodes (LFP, NCM/NCA), anodes (silicon-carbon composites), electrolytes (LiFSI additives), and separators (ceramic-coated films). Innovations like solid-state batteries and sodium-ion alternatives are reshaping the market. Investment opportunities lie in companies with high-energy-density solutions and cost-competitive supply chains, though risks include raw material price volatility (e.g., lithium, cobalt) and overcapacity in low-tier segments
Hydrogen Energy Chain
Hydrogen energy is gaining traction as a clean fuel for heavy transport and industrial decarbonization. Critical segments include electrolyzers (PEM/ALK technologies), fuel cell stacks (platinum catalysts), and storage materials (carbon fiber tanks, metal hydrides). Green hydrogen (from renewables) is a long-term bet, while near-term growth focuses on fuel cell vehicles and government subsidies. Challenges include high production costs and infrastructure gaps, but policy support (e.g., U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, EU Hydrogen Strategy) is accelerating adoption.
Semiconductor Chemical Materials
This sector underpins chip manufacturing, with demand fueled by AI, 5G, and IoT. Key materials include photoresists (EUV/ArF), high-purity gases (NF3, SiH4), and CMP slurries. Geopolitical tensions (U.S.-China tech war) are driving domestic substitution in China, benefiting local players. However, stringent technical barriers and R&D costs limit competition. Investors should monitor companies with breakthroughs in advanced nodes (3nm and below) and partnerships with foundries like TSMC or Samsung.
Bio-Based and Sustainable Chemistry
Bio-based chemistry replaces fossil feedstocks with renewable resources (e.g., sugarcane ethanol, algae). Promising areas include biodegradable plastics (PLA, PHA), bio-nylon (e.g., DSM’s EcoPaXX), and carbon-negative materials (LanzaTech’s CO2-to-chemicals). Regulatory bans on single-use plastics (EU SUP Directive) and corporate ESG commitments are key drivers. Risks include higher production costs versus conventional plastics and scalability challenges. Startups with innovative fermentation or catalytic technologies are attracting venture capital.
5. High-Performance Composites
These materials enable lightweight, high-strength applications in aerospace (e.g., carbon fiber fuselages), wind turbines (glass fiber blades), and EVs (battery enclosures). Carbon fiber (dominated by Toray, Hexcel) and ceramic matrix composites (for hypersonic vehicles) are high-growth niches. Demand is tied to industrial upgrades and defense spending, but high costs and complex manufacturing hinder mass adoption. Investors should target firms with proprietary tech (e.g., automated layup processes) and contracts in defense or renewables.
