OLED 및 LCD와 같은 플랫 패널 디스플레이의 생산 증가와 태양에너지 시스템의 사용 확대가 이러한 가스 수요에 크게 기여하고 있으며, 2024년에는 237억 5,000만 달러를 넘어 2031년에는 579억 3,000만 달러에 달합니다.
반도체 및 전자기기 제조 부문은 5G 네트워크, 인공지능, 전기자동차 등 첨단 기술에 대한 수요 증가로 빠르게 성장하고 있습니다. 이러한 기술은 점점 더 진보된 반도체 소자를 필요로 하고 에칭, 세정, 증착을 위해 NF3, F2와 같은 고순도 가스에 의존하고 있으며, 2024-2031년 약 11.79%의 연평균 복합 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 예측됩니다.
삼불화질소(NF3) 및 불소가스(F2) 시장 : 정의/개요
삼불화질소(NF3)와 불소가스(F2)는 주로 반도체, 전자, 태양전지판 제조에 사용되는 고순도 산업용 가스입니다. NF3는 화학증착(CVD) 챔버의 세정에, F2는 반도체 및 플랫 패널 디스플레이 제조의 에칭 공정에 자주 사용됩니다. 두 가스 모두 고성능 전자 부품 제조에 필요합니다. 5G, 인공지능, 전기자동차, 재생에너지 등 기술의 급속한 발전으로 NF3와 F2의 미래는 유망합니다. 전자기기와 청정 에너지 솔루션에 대한 수요가 증가함에 따라 특히 전자기기 및 반도체 제조가 빠르게 성장하고 있는 아시아태평양에서는 이러한 특수 가스에 대한 수요도 증가할 것으로 예측됩니다.
5G 네트워크의 기술 혁신 증가는 삼불화질소(NF3)와 불소가스(F2) 시장을 크게 견인할 것으로 예측됩니다. 5G 기술의 전개와 확장을 위해서는 첨단 반도체 장치와 고성능 전자 부품이 필요하며, 이는 NF3와 F2의 제조 공정에 크게 의존하고 있습니다. NF3는 화학증착(CVD) 챔버의 세정에 사용되며, F2는 반도체 재료의 에칭에 필요합니다. 전 세계 5G 인프라가 확대됨에 따라 고속, 대용량 네트워크 장비에 대한 수요가 증가함에 따라 이러한 특수 가스에 대한 수요가 증가하여 5G 기술에 필요한 첨단 부품의 생산이 용이해집니다.
2024년 3월, Verizon과 Ericsson은 북미와 유럽 전역의 5G 네트워크 확장을 위한 대규모 투자를 발표했으며, 이는 첨단 반도체 장치 및 관련 가스 수요를 증가시킬 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한 미국 연방통신위원회(FCC)는 2024년 2월, 5G 기술 배포를 지원하기 위한 새로운 주파수 할당을 승인하여 5G 인프라 배포를 가속화했습니다. 이러한 5G의 발전은 반도체 소자의 생산량 증가로 이어져 향후 NF3와 F2 수요를 증가시킬 가능성이 높습니다.
생산 비용 증가는 삼불화질소(NF3) 및 불소가스(F2) 시장의 성장을 저해할 수 있습니다. 이러한 가스의 생산에는 막대한 에너지와 특수 설비를 필요로 하는 복잡한 공정이 포함되어 있으며, 운영비용이 높습니다. NF3와 F2 수요가 증가함에 따라 특히 반도체 및 전자 산업에서 NF3와 F2 수요가 증가함에 따라 비용 압력으로 인해 최종사용자의 가격이 상승할 수 있습니다. 그 결과, 제조업체들이 이러한 가스를 더 쉽게 구매하거나 쉽게 구할 수 있게 되어 시장 성장이 둔화되거나 대체 재료 및 대체 기술로의 전환을 촉진할 수 있습니다.
또한 NF3와 F2의 위험한 특성으로 인해 엄격한 안전 예방 조치가 필요하므로 제조 비용의 상승은 더욱 악화됩니다. 규제 기준 준수와 안전 인프라에 대한 투자가 비용을 증가시킵니다. 그 결과, 기업은 비용 효율성과 안전 및 환경 요구 사항의 균형을 맞추는 데 어려움을 겪을 수 있습니다. 이러한 비용이 계속 상승하면 가스 공급업체의 수익성, 나아가 전체 시장 역학에 영향을 미치고 NF3와 F2에 의존하는 산업의 성장률을 둔화시킬 수 있습니다.
The increasing production of flat-panel displays, such as OLEDs and LCDs, as well as the growing use of solar energy systems, all contribute significantly to the demand for these gases surpassing USD 23.75 Billion in 2024 and reaching USD 57.93 Billion by 2031.
The semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sectors are rapidly expanding, owing to the growing demand for advanced technologies such as 5G networks, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles. These technologies necessitate increasingly sophisticated semiconductor devices, which rely on high-purity gases such as NF3 and F2 for etching, cleaning, and deposition is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 11.79% from 2024 to 2031.
Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) and Fluorine Gas (F2) Market: Definition/ Overview
Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and fluorine gas (F2) are high-purity industrial gases used primarily in semiconductor, electronics, and solar panel manufacturing. NF3 is commonly used to clean chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chambers, whereas F2 is used for etching processes in semiconductor and flat-panel display manufacturing. Both gases are necessary for the production of high-performance electronic components. The future of NF3 and F2 looks promising, thanks to rapid advancements in technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. As the demand for more sophisticated electronic devices and cleaner energy solutions grows, so will the demand for these specialty gases, especially in Asia-Pacific, where electronics and semiconductor manufacturing is rapidly expanding.
The increasing innovation of 5G networks is expected to significantly drive the Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) and Fluorine Gas (F2) markets. The deployment and expansion of 5G technology necessitate advanced semiconductor devices and high-performance electronic components, which rely heavily on NF3 and F2 manufacturing processes. NF3 is used to clean chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chambers, while F2 is required to etch semiconductor materials. As the global 5G infrastructure expands, the increased demand for high-speed, high-capacity network equipment will drive up demand for these specialty gases, making it easier to produce the cutting-edge components required for 5G technologies.
In March 2024, Verizon and Ericsson announced significant investments in expanding 5G networks across North America and Europe, which are expected to boost demand for advanced semiconductor devices and associated gases. Furthermore, in February 2024, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved new spectrum allocations to support the rollout of 5G technology, hastening the deployment of 5G infrastructure. These advancements in 5G are likely to result in increased semiconductor device production, driving future demand for NF3 and F2.
Increasing production costs may impede the growth of the Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) and Fluorine Gas (F2) markets. The production of these gases involves complex processes that necessitate significant energy and specialized equipment, resulting in high operational costs. As demand for NF3 and F2 increases, particularly in the semiconductor and electronics industries, cost pressures may result in higher prices for end users. This, in turn, may impact the affordability and accessibility of these gases for manufacturers, potentially slowing market growth and prompting shifts to alternative materials or technologies.
Furthermore, the high production costs are exacerbated by the requirement for stringent safety precautions due to the hazardous nature of NF3 and F2. Compliance with regulatory standards, as well as investments in safety infrastructure, drive up costs. As a result, businesses may face difficulties in balancing cost-effectiveness with safety and environmental requirements. If these costs continue to rise, they may have an impact on gas suppliers' profitability and, ultimately, overall market dynamics, potentially slowing the rate of growth in industries reliant on NF3 and F2.
Over the forecast period, the chemical synthesis segment is expected to hold major share in the Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) and Fluorine Gas (F2) market. Chemical synthesis, which produces high-purity NF3 and F2, is an important process in many industrial applications, including semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. As industries strive for more advanced and efficient chemical processes, the demand for these specialty gases increases. NF3 is primarily used in the manufacture of semiconductors and flat-panel displays, whereas F2 is required for a variety of chemical reactions and uses. As chemical synthesis techniques advance, demand for NF3 and F2 is likely to rise, further propelling the market.
In April 2024, Air Products and Chemicals announced that it would be expanding its chemical synthesis capabilities with a new facility in Texas, which will produce high-purity NF3 and F2 for semiconductor and industrial applications. This expansion aims to meet rising demand caused by advances in chemical synthesis and industrial processes. Furthermore, in June 2024, the European Union's new regulations on green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing are expected to increase the use of high-purity gases in chemical synthesis, boosting market growth. These developments reflect the broader industry shift toward more sophisticated and efficient chemical synthesis processes, which is driving up demand for NF3 and F2.
However, the electrolyzing synthesis segment is becoming the fastest-growing due to its potential for increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Electrolyzing synthesis, which involves the electrolysis of fluoride salts, provides a more sustainable and energy-efficient method of producing these gases, in line with growing regulatory and environmental pressures. As the industry transitions to greener and more cost-effective technologies, the electrolyzing synthesis segment is expected to gain traction and take a larger share of the market.
As per VMR analyst, semiconductor segment is anticipated to lead the Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) and Fluorine Gas (F2) markets. Semiconductors are essential components in a wide variety of electronic devices, from consumer electronics to cutting-edge technologies like 5G infrastructure and artificial intelligence systems. These semiconductors are primarily produced using high-purity gases such as NF3 and F2. NF3 is primarily used to clean chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chambers, whereas F2 is required for etching processes in semiconductor fabrication. As the semiconductor industry grows due to technological advancements and increased demand for electronic devices, so does the need for these gases.
Furthermore, in July 2024, the Taiwanese government announced a significant funding increase to support the development of semiconductor technology as part of its strategy to strengthen its position in the global tech supply chain. These investments and strategic moves highlight semiconductors' critical role in driving demand for NF3 and F2, as the production of these advanced components is heavily dependent on these specialty gases.
The flat panel display market is the second fastest growing application. As consumer electronics, automotive, and other industries demand larger and higher-resolution displays, there is a greater need for NF3 and F2 in manufacturing processes such as plasma etching and deposition. While flat panel displays are rapidly expanding, semiconductor chips remain the largest segment due to their wider and more established use in a variety of high-tech applications.
Country/Region-wise
The growing demand for robust electronics and semiconductor manufacturing sectors in Asia-Pacific is expected to initiate the region's dominance in the Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) and Fluorine Gas (F2) markets. Asia-Pacific, specifically China, South Korea, and Taiwan, dominates global electronics and semiconductor production. These industries require large amounts of high-purity gases, such as NF3 and F2, for critical processes like etching, cleaning, and deposition in the production of semiconductors, LCD panels, and OLED displays. The region's burgeoning consumer electronics market, combined with the expansion of 5G networks and the Internet of Things (IoT), is driving the demand for more advanced semiconductor technologies, resulting in increased demand for these specialty gases.
In June 2023, the Chinese government announced a significant increase in investment in the domestic semiconductor industry as part of its "Made in China 2025" initiative, which aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology. As a result, the number of new semiconductor fabs being built across the country has increased significantly. Similarly, in South Korea, companies such as Samsung and SK Hynix have announced significant investments in expanding their semiconductor manufacturing capacity.
The growing demand for advanced electronics in North America is expected to propel the Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) and Fluorine Gas (F2) markets. Advanced electronics, such as semiconductors, displays, and solar panels, require high-purity gases like NF3 and F2 for manufacturing processes like etching, cleaning, and deposition. The rapid growth of industries such as consumer electronics, automotive electronics, and renewable energy is increasing the demand for these gases. Furthermore, the rise of 5G technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) is driving up semiconductor manufacturing, increasing demand for NF3 and F2. These gases are critical in the manufacture of high-performance semiconductor devices, which are required for the most recent electronic applications.
For instance, in May 2023, the US government announced increased funding for semiconductor manufacturing through the CHIPS and Science Act, with the goal of improving domestic production capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. This move is expected to boost demand for NF3 and F2 gases as more semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs) are built and expanded in North America. Furthermore, companies such as Air Products and Chemicals, a major supplier of NF3 and F2, have increased their production capacity to meet rising demand. In January 2024, Air Products announced a new facility in Arizona to support the thriving semiconductor industry, demonstrating how North America's demand for advanced electronics will drive the market for these critical gases.
The competitive landscape of the Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) and Fluorine Gas (F2) market is characterized by a diverse range of regional and global companies engaged in the production and distribution of these specialty gases. The market is marked by strategic collaborations, expansions, and technological advancements as companies aim to enhance their production capacities and improve gas purity levels. The competition is intense due to the growing demand in electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, and flat panel displays, driving companies to innovate in their production processes and expand their geographical presence to secure a larger market share. Additionally, the market is influenced by stringent environmental regulations, which have led to increased focus on sustainable production practices.
Some of the prominent players operating in the nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and fluorine gas (F2) market include:
Mitsui Chemical
SK Materials
Kanto Denka Kogyo
Hyosung
American Gas
Central Glass
Navin Fluorine International.
In February 2024, Honeywell International signs a major contract with a leading semiconductor manufacturer to supply high-purity NF3. This collaboration emphasizes Honeywell's role in promoting the development of advanced semiconductor technologies and strengthens its market position.
In May 2024, The Chinese government announced a new initiative to support advanced manufacturing technologies, including increased production of specialty gases such as NF3 and F2. This initiative aims to boost the growth of high-tech industries while reducing reliance on imports.