Home > News > New life for nanotubes
March 4th, 2005
New life for nanotubes
Abstract:
The dream of super-strong fibres made from carbon nanotubes is predicated on the notion of being able to grow these nanoscale carbon cylinders to any length. The idea of using such nanotubes as conductive wiring and semiconducting devices in nanoscopic electrical circuits, meanwhile, hinges on the ability to make nanotubes to order in either a metallic or a semiconducting form. Neither of these things is yet possible, but new results from a team of US researchers show that both may be feasible soon.
Nanotube pioneer Richard Smalley at Rice University in Houston, Texas, and his co-workers, have discovered a method for restarting the growth of open-ended carbon nanotubes in a way that preserves the atomic-scale structure of the original tubes. They also say that it provides 'the opportunity to grow nanotubes to unlimited lengths'.
Source:
* Nature
Bookmark:
Smalley Group at Rice
Possible Futures
Lifeboat publishes its first book: The Lifeboat Foundation has published its first book, "The Human Race to the Future: What Could Happen -- and What to Do" May 14th, 2013
UC Santa Barbara History Professor's Book Elucidates, Celebrates ‘Visioneers' May 14th, 2013
Conceptual Nanomedical Lipofuscin Removal Strategy April 29th, 2013
The Global Desalination Market 2013-2023 April 24th, 2013
Nanotubes/Buckyballs
UC Riverside scientists discovering new uses for tiny carbon nanotubes: Adding ionic liquid to nanotube films could build smaller gadgets, and create more cost effective 'Smart Windows' that darken in bright sun May 15th, 2013
Development know-how is made available to collaboration partners: Bayer MaterialScience brings nano projects to a close May 8th, 2013
Next-generation transistor outperforms other carbon-based designs May 7th, 2013
Ubiquitous engineered nanomaterials cause lung inflammation, study finds: Substances are used in everything from paint to sporting equipment May 6th, 2013
Discoveries
Gold nanocrystal vibration captured on billion-frames-per-second film May 23rd, 2013
Whirlpools on the Nanoscale Could Multiply Magnetic Memory: At the Advanced Light Source, Berkeley Lab scientists join an international team to control spin orientation in magnetic nanodisks May 22nd, 2013
Bacterial spare parts filter antibiotic residue from groundwater May 22nd, 2013
UofL scientists uncover how grapefruits provide a secret weapon in medical drug delivery May 22nd, 2013