Vantablack
The darkest known artificial material, made from vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, absorbing up to 99.965% of visible light.
Overview
Vantablack (Vertically Aligned NanoTube Arrays Black) is an ultra-black coating developed by Surrey NanoSystems, composed of carbon nanotubes grown on a substrate. It absorbs up to 99.965% of visible light, making surfaces appear to have no dimension or depth. In automotive applications, Vantablack has been used as a high-impact aesthetic coating on concept and limited-edition vehicles, most notably the BMW X6 Vantablack (2019). Beyond aesthetics, its exceptional light-absorption properties have potential uses in optical sensors, LiDAR calibration, and stray light suppression in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). It is still largely an emerging and specialist material in the automotive sector.
Automotive Applications
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Properties
Category
Type
Carbon Nanotube Coating
Available Colors
Available Forms
Key Properties
- Absorbs 99.965% of visible light
- Ultra-low reflectance
- Lightweight nanotube structure
- High thermal emissivity
- Electrically conductive
Technical Specifications
Density
~0.1 g/cm³ (nanotube array)
Temperature Resistance
Up to 750°C in inert atmosphere
Sustainability
Sustainability Rating
Production of carbon nanotube arrays is energy-intensive and uses specialist precursor gases. End-of-life recovery is not commercially established.