The Application of Nanomaterials in the Automotive Industry
Research Article
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The Application of Nanomaterials in the Automotive Industry

Jiayu Weng 1*
1 King’s College London
*Corresponding author: CASept8@163.com
Published on 26 November 2025
Volume Cover
ACE Vol.209
ISSN (Print): 2755-273X
ISSN (Online): 2755-2721
ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-561-5
ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-562-2
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Abstract

Nanomaterials are the most prominent revolutionary wave that has taken place in various industries, of which the automotive industry is not an exception. Nanomaterials used in the automotive industry produce positive outcomes on performance, efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability, and therefore, the use of literature review methodology will survey this paper on the application of subsequent. It explores the different types of nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, nano-reinforced polymer, nano-coating, nano-lubricants, and nano-enabled sensors, as well as the ways in which they are incorporated into designing a car, powertrain systems, or both car energy storage systems. The results indicate that nanomaterials allow one to achieve a noticeable reduction of weight, greater mechanical strength, greater thermal and corrosion resistance, and higher efficiency. The paper also presents the example of automakers that have already applied nanotechnology in their products, and elaborates on the difficulties of a widespread implementation process, like the cost, health issues, and regulations. Comprehensively, the paper comes up with a conclusion that nanomaterials are transforming the world of cars and provide a way to lighter, cleaner, and more efficient cars, and look into the aspect of sustainable production and recycling of the end-of-life products.

Keywords:

Nanomaterials, Automotive Industry, Lightweight Design, Energy Efficiency

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Weng,J. (2025). The Application of Nanomaterials in the Automotive Industry. Applied and Computational Engineering,209,44-51.

References

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[3]. K. Kumar, S. Das, R. Garg, and M. S. Goyat, “A Comprehensive Review on Enhancing the Strength of CFRPs Through Nano-reinforcements: Applications, Characterization, and Challenges, ” Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 1588-1627, May 2024, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1007/s11668-024-01946-2.

[4]. S. Yadav, S. Gangwar, and S. Singh, “Micro/Nano Reinforced Filled Metal Alloy Composites: A Review Over Current Development in Aerospace and Automobile Applications, ” Materials Today: Proceedings, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 5571-5582, 2017, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2017.06.014.

[5]. K. L. Arun, M. Udhayakumar, and N. Radhika, “A Comprehensive Review on Various Ceramic Nanomaterial Coatings Over Metallic Substrates: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends, ” Journal of Bio- and Tribo-Corrosion, vol. 9, no. 1, Nov. 2022, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1007/s40735-022-00717-6.

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[8]. M. C. Coelho, G. Torrão, N. Emami, and J. Gr´cio, “Nanotechnology in Automotive Industry: Research Strategy and Trends for the Future Small Objects, Big Impacts, ” Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, vol. 12, no. 8, pp. 6621-6630, Aug. 2012, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2012.4573.

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[11]. S.-J. Lee, Y.-C. Sohn, and C.-L. Kim, “Tribological Effects of Water-Based Graphene Lubricants on Graphene Coatings, ” Materials, vol. 16, no. 1, p. 197, Dec. 2022, doi: https: //doi.org/10.3390/ma16010197.

[12]. Milton Garcia Tobar, R. Wilmer, Bryan Jimenez Cordero, and Julio Guillen Matute, “Nanotechnology in Lubricants: A Systematic Review of the Use of Nanoparticles to Reduce the Friction Coefficient, ” Lubricants, vol. 12, no. 5, pp. 166-166, May 2024, doi: https: //doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12050166.

[13]. G. C. Shivaraju, C. Sudakar, and A. S. Prakash, “High-rate and long-cycle life performance of nano-porous nano-silicon derived from mesoporous MCM-41 as an anode for lithium-ion battery, ” Electrochimica Acta, vol. 294, pp. 357-364, Jan. 2019, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2018.10.122.

[14]. B. P. Vinayan, R. I. Jafri, R. Nagar, N. Rajalakshmi, K. Sethupathi, and S. Ramaprabhu, “Catalytic activity of platinum–cobalt alloy nanoparticles decorated functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes for oxygen reduction reaction in PEMFC, ” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 412-421, Jan. 2012, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.09.069.

[15]. A. Shubair, “Tuning the Selectivity of Bimetallic NiBi Catalysts for Glycerol Electrooxidation into Value-Added Products, ” Uottawa.ca, Mar. 15, 2021. https: //ruor.uottawa.ca/items/5530404d-c533-40cc-ae30-7be0bb4560a4

[16]. J. Liu, S. Bao, and X. Wang, “Applications of Graphene-Based Materials in Sensors: A Review, ” Micromachines, vol. 13, no. 2, p. 184, Jan. 2022, doi: https: //doi.org/10.3390/mi13020184.

[17]. G. Regmi, “Unlocking Multifunctional Advantages with Nanocomposites Coatings for Solar Cells: A Comprehensive Review, ” Current Organic Chemistry, vol. 27, no. 22, pp. 1946-1959, Dec. 2023, doi: https: //doi.org/10.2174/0113852728281107231212044214.

References

[1]. H. N. Cheng, L. J. Doemeny, C. L. Geraci, and D. Grob Schmidt, “Nanotechnology Overview: Opportunities and Challenges, ” ACS Symposium Series, pp. 1-12, Jan. 2016, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1021/bk-2016-1220.ch001.

[2]. H. Presting and U. König, “Future nanotechnology developments for automotive applications, ” Materials Science and Engineering: C, vol. 23, no. 6-8, pp. 737-741, Dec. 2003, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2003.09.120.

[3]. K. Kumar, S. Das, R. Garg, and M. S. Goyat, “A Comprehensive Review on Enhancing the Strength of CFRPs Through Nano-reinforcements: Applications, Characterization, and Challenges, ” Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention, vol. 24, no. 4, pp. 1588-1627, May 2024, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1007/s11668-024-01946-2.

[4]. S. Yadav, S. Gangwar, and S. Singh, “Micro/Nano Reinforced Filled Metal Alloy Composites: A Review Over Current Development in Aerospace and Automobile Applications, ” Materials Today: Proceedings, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 5571-5582, 2017, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2017.06.014.

[5]. K. L. Arun, M. Udhayakumar, and N. Radhika, “A Comprehensive Review on Various Ceramic Nanomaterial Coatings Over Metallic Substrates: Applications, Challenges and Future Trends, ” Journal of Bio- and Tribo-Corrosion, vol. 9, no. 1, Nov. 2022, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1007/s40735-022-00717-6.

[6]. R. Mukherjee, R. Krishnan, T.-M. Lu, and N. Koratkar, “Nanostructured electrodes for high-power lithium-ion batteries, ” Nano Energy, vol. 1, no. 4, pp. 518-533, Jul. 2012, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2012.04.001.

[7]. J. W. McAuley, “Global Sustainability and Key Needs in Future Automotive Design, ” Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 37, no. 23, pp. 5414-5416, Dec. 2003, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1021/es030521x.

[8]. M. C. Coelho, G. Torrão, N. Emami, and J. Gr´cio, “Nanotechnology in Automotive Industry: Research Strategy and Trends for the Future Small Objects, Big Impacts, ” Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, vol. 12, no. 8, pp. 6621-6630, Aug. 2012, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2012.4573.

[9]. J. Schulte, “Nanotechnology, ” Wiley eBooks, Nov. 2005, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1002/0470021071.

[10]. A. S. Olawore, T. B. Asafa, K. O. Oladosu, A. Lateef, and M. O. Durowoju, “Enhancing functionalities of paints with nanoparticles: a review, ” Nano Plus: Science and Technology of Nanomaterials, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 97-119, 2021, Accessed: Sep. 14, 2025. [Online]. Available: https: //www.ajol.info/index.php/nano/article/view/287850

[11]. S.-J. Lee, Y.-C. Sohn, and C.-L. Kim, “Tribological Effects of Water-Based Graphene Lubricants on Graphene Coatings, ” Materials, vol. 16, no. 1, p. 197, Dec. 2022, doi: https: //doi.org/10.3390/ma16010197.

[12]. Milton Garcia Tobar, R. Wilmer, Bryan Jimenez Cordero, and Julio Guillen Matute, “Nanotechnology in Lubricants: A Systematic Review of the Use of Nanoparticles to Reduce the Friction Coefficient, ” Lubricants, vol. 12, no. 5, pp. 166-166, May 2024, doi: https: //doi.org/10.3390/lubricants12050166.

[13]. G. C. Shivaraju, C. Sudakar, and A. S. Prakash, “High-rate and long-cycle life performance of nano-porous nano-silicon derived from mesoporous MCM-41 as an anode for lithium-ion battery, ” Electrochimica Acta, vol. 294, pp. 357-364, Jan. 2019, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2018.10.122.

[14]. B. P. Vinayan, R. I. Jafri, R. Nagar, N. Rajalakshmi, K. Sethupathi, and S. Ramaprabhu, “Catalytic activity of platinum–cobalt alloy nanoparticles decorated functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes for oxygen reduction reaction in PEMFC, ” International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 412-421, Jan. 2012, doi: https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2011.09.069.

[15]. A. Shubair, “Tuning the Selectivity of Bimetallic NiBi Catalysts for Glycerol Electrooxidation into Value-Added Products, ” Uottawa.ca, Mar. 15, 2021. https: //ruor.uottawa.ca/items/5530404d-c533-40cc-ae30-7be0bb4560a4

[16]. J. Liu, S. Bao, and X. Wang, “Applications of Graphene-Based Materials in Sensors: A Review, ” Micromachines, vol. 13, no. 2, p. 184, Jan. 2022, doi: https: //doi.org/10.3390/mi13020184.

[17]. G. Regmi, “Unlocking Multifunctional Advantages with Nanocomposites Coatings for Solar Cells: A Comprehensive Review, ” Current Organic Chemistry, vol. 27, no. 22, pp. 1946-1959, Dec. 2023, doi: https: //doi.org/10.2174/0113852728281107231212044214.

Cite this article

Weng,J. (2025). The Application of Nanomaterials in the Automotive Industry. Applied and Computational Engineering,209,44-51.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of CONF-MCEE 2026 Symposium: Advances in Sustainable Aviation and Aerospace Vehicle Automation

ISBN: 978-1-80590-561-5(Print) / 978-1-80590-562-2(Online)
Editor: Ömer Burak İSTANBULLU
Conference website: https://2025.confmcee.org/kayseri.html
Conference date: 14 November 2025
Series: Applied and Computational Engineering
Volume number: Vol.209
ISSN: 2755-2721(Print) / 2755-273X(Online)

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