Advantages of Carbon Nanotubes

(Advantages of Carbon Nanotubes)

Carbon nanotubes are an amazing new technology with a lot of promise, but there’s still a long way to go before these little wonders can actually be used in the real world. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the advantages that are associated with this remarkable material.

These tiny cylindrical tubes are made of carbon atoms that are rolled in on themselves, and capped at each end by half-spherical fullerene structures. They belong to a different family of carbon molecular structures than graphene and diamond – the so-called fullerenes.

Their huge surface-to-volume ratio and exceptional electrical conductivity make them ideal for electronic devices. They are also strong and resistant to physical force (pressing on a CNT tip will cause it to bend, but not break), which makes them useful for probe tips in ultra-high-resolution scanning probe microscopy. Their unique ability to carry a large number of chemical species on their sidewalls allows them to serve as catalyst supports, and their high-temperature resistance means they can be used in heat exchangers.

Other applications exploiting these properties include EMI/RFI shielding composites, coatings for enclosures and gaskets, antistatic materials and conductive coatings, and radar-absorbing materials for low-observable (“stealth”) applications. Recently, scientists have even developed a ceramic material reinforced with carbon nanotubes that’s far tougher than standard clay and can both conduct electricity and absorb heat.

There is no shortage of potential uses for these extraordinary materials. They are extremely versatile, and researchers are tinkering with them all the time. The possibilities seem endless, but the most exciting development is likely to be found in the energy sector. Carbon nanotubes can be used to make flywheels that store energy much more efficiently than conventional fossil fuels.

(Advantages of Carbon Nanotubes)