Dr Conor O'Brien Senior Technology Analyst

Dr Conor O'Brien is a Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx, predominantly concerned with the topic of advanced materials. Having previously studied at Trinity College Dublin, Conor obtained a PhD from the University of Manchester, working in the National Graphene Institute.

Conor received his BA degree in Nanoscience, Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials from Trinity College Dublin in 2017. In his final year, Conor conducted his final year research project with Infineon Technologies in Munich, working on random number generation based on photon emission from defects in diamond nanopillars. Conor was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal from Trinity College, on the basis of receiving a first-class honors degree with exceptional merit.

 

Conor moved to the UK in 2017 to the University of Manchester. Famed for the isolation of graphene in 2004, the University of Manchester was a natural choice for Conor to pursue a PhD in advanced materials. Conor's research dealt with understanding the tearing mechanism of 2D material reinforced elastomer composites, employing the novel technique of X-ray computed tomography to image the internal morphology of the composite during tearing.

Conor's work at IDTechEx covers advanced materials research, including markets and technologies, with particular expertise on nanocarbons such as graphene and carbon nanotubes. Beyond 2D materials, Conor also holds an interest in the advanced materials that are underpinning the energy and decarbonization sector, with a focus on the fuel cell industry.