Researchers from Northeastern University have discovered that tiny carbon nanotubes can efficiently remove salt from seawater, offering a potential solution to global water scarcity. The novel system outperforms existing methods, with the potential to increase accessible drinking water from 0.007 percent to a higher percentage.
Lawrence Livermore scientists developed carbon nanotube pores that can exclude salt from seawater, exceeding water permeability of wider CNTs by an order of magnitude. The super smooth inner surface and tiny pore size enable efficient transport of water while blocking larger salt ions.
Researchers discovered that carbon nanotubes with a width of 0.8 nanometers can filter water with better efficiency than biological proteins, known as aquaporins. The narrow nanotube porins (nCNTPs) maintain permeability even at high salt concentrations and can be tailored for specific ion selectivity.
Researchers have developed high-tech yarns that can generate electricity when stretched or twisted, opening up new possibilities for self-powered wearable devices and energy harvesting from ocean waves. The twistron yarns, constructed from carbon nanotubes, can convert mechanical energy into electrical power.
Researchers have successfully enhanced spider silk's strength and toughness by incorporating carbon nanotubes or graphene. The resulting silk boasts up to three times the strength and ten times the toughness of regular material.
Researchers at FAU successfully manipulated the properties of hybrid systems made from carbon nanostructures and a dye. The team discovered that light stimulation could transfer electrons between the dye and carbon structures, a crucial requirement for dye-sensitised solar cells.
Researchers at Rice University have created a novel filter that can remove toxic heavy metals from contaminated water, using a combination of carbon nanotubes and quartz fibers. The filters are reusable and can be washed with vinegar, making them an effective solution for treating water in remote regions.
Developed by Swansea University and Rice University, the filter removes toxic heavy metals from water using carbon nanotubes immobilized in quartz fiber. The filters can be reused after washing with vinegar and are capable of treating large amounts of contaminated water.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new method for building complex organic molecules by selectively transforming strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This breakthrough enhances the control over chemical reactions, enabling more synthetic freedom for constructing intricate carbon structures.
A global data set reveals that volcanic arcs mobilize carbon from crustal carbonate platforms, particularly in Italy and Indonesia. This finding requires a downward revision of past organic carbon burial estimates.
A Japanese collaboration led by Osaka University has developed a method to detect unique signatures from single molecules using carbon nanotube-based devices. The researchers found that different molecules produced distinct noise signals related to their properties, allowing for the prediction of molecular interactions.
Researchers developed a new photocatalyst by integrating Cu2O nanoparticles with H2Ti3O7 nanotubes, showing improved photocatalytic activities for organic pollutant degradation. The composite exhibits stronger visible spectral response and wider absorbance, reducing bandgap energy and inhibiting electron-hole pair recombination.
Scientists at the University of Vienna created a hybrid carbon system with graphene sheets enclosing fullerenes. This setup allows for the observation of fullerene diffusion and rotation within the graphene sandwich, providing new insights into molecular dynamics.
Researchers successfully synthesized a carbon nanobelt, measuring 0.83 nm in diameter, using a novel synthetic strategy based on a macrocycle precursor. The breakthrough opens a new field of nanocarbon science and has potential applications in electronics and photonics.
Scientists at Lund University produced nanotubes from a single building block using molecular self-recognition, enabling controlled transport of substances like acetylcholine. The discovery could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers have developed a method to select semiconducting carbon nanotubes from a solution and make them self-assemble on gold electrodes, resulting in tiny transistors with nearly 100% purity. The process uses polymers with thiol side chains to bind the tubes to the electrodes.
A new class of enhanced single-walled carbon nanotubes offers a more effective approach to water treatment and remediation, with the potential for regenerating filters by heating them in a microwave. The technology works because nanotubes dislike water, allowing only organic contaminants to stick to them.
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a manufacturing method for electrocatalysts using one hundredth of the usual amount of platinum, reducing costs and increasing functionality. The new material has been proven to be stable and usable in laboratory conditions.
Researchers at Indiana University have engineered a molecule that harnesses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide into a carbon-neutral fuel source. The new molecule uses nanographene to absorb light and triggers a highly efficient reaction to produce carbon monoxide, a versatile raw material in industrial processes.
A new European study has found that soil carbon loss is more sensitive to climate change compared to carbon taken up by plants. In wetter regions, soil carbon loss increased, while in drier regions it decreased, and this could lead to a positive feedback on atmospheric CO2 levels.
The task force proposes strategies to recycle carbon dioxide and remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, complementing carbon-free approaches like electrification. These approaches aim to produce an overall emissions reduction of at least one billion tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Researchers from IBS and Peking University demonstrate how to synthesize horizontal arrays of CNTs with the same structure. The team successfully produces conducting (12, 6) and semiconducting (8, 4) CNTs with high selectivity and purity.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new material called rebar graphene, which can be shaped and has exceptional conductivity. The material supports over 3,000 times its own weight without deforming, making it suitable for various applications.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new compound of bismuth and carbon nanotubes that improves upon existing cell-tracking agents. The improved Bi4C@US-tubes show up strongly on X-rays taken with computed tomography (CT) scanners, allowing for more efficient tracking of stem cells in the body.
Researchers at MIT have developed sensors that can detect single protein molecules, enabling the tracking of viral infection, monitoring cellular manufacturing of proteins, and revealing food contamination. The sensors utilize chemically modified carbon nanotubes coated with DNA aptamers, which can bind to specific target proteins.
Researchers at Polytechnique Montréal developed a novel material that combines 3D printing and nanotechnology to detect toxic liquids in real time. The material, made from thermoplastic and carbon nanotubes, can identify the nature of a liquid upon contact, making it an advantage for heavy industries.
Researchers found that adding cone-like structures between graphene and nanotubes enhances heat dissipation by reducing the number of heptagons. This could lead to improved performance in next-generation nano-electronics.
Researchers use neutron diffraction to study high-pressure and high-temperature phases of solid carbon dioxide, shedding light on the Earth's carbon cycle and potential for carbon substitution with silicon dioxide. The study provides new insights into the behavior of carbon dioxide under extreme conditions.
Researchers at University of Nevada, Reno partner with Earthwatch Institute to study Sierra meadow ecosystems and their carbon storage potential. Citizen scientists from northern California and Reno area participate in project, measuring carbon stored in plants and vegetation.
A global study predicts that soils may release large quantities of carbon dioxide in response to warming, leading to even faster rates of warming globally. Soils in Arctic ecosystems are the most susceptible to releasing stored carbon when warmed.
Researchers have developed a dry adhesive that bonds in extreme temperatures, offering properties for space exploration and electronics management. The gecko-inspired adhesive maintains strength in liquid nitrogen and molten silver, and even gets stickier with increasing heat.
Scientists at MIPT create ultrastrong material by applying high pressure to multiwall carbon nanotubes, forming bonds between them. The resulting material retains the durability of original nanotubes, making it suitable for harsh conditions.
Researchers have discovered a new material called diamond nanothread (DNT) that boasts exceptional strength, flexibility, and conductivity. DNT has the potential to be used in various applications, including ultra-strong composites, flexible electronics, and even space elevators.
University of Oklahoma researchers have designed a novel photothermal therapy that eliminates tumors without affecting healthy cells. The therapy uses single-walled carbon nanotubes to target specific cancer cells in breast, bladder, esophageal, and melanoma cancers.
A new device uses a forest-like array of vertically-aligned carbon nanotubes to selectively trap viruses by size, increasing sensitivity by over 100 times. This technology can capture unknown viruses without antibodies or sequence information, enabling early detection and potential vaccine development.
Researchers have discovered a potential approach to storing excess renewable energy by mixing food waste-derived sugar alcohols with carbon nanotubes. The study found that heat transfer within the mixture improved with higher density combinations and decreased with smaller nanotube diameters.
Researchers develop a new method to make ultra-lightweight materials for spacecraft and satellites using high-velocity impact. By crushing nanotubes against a target, they produce diamond-like structures with extraordinary mechanical properties, enhancing the resilience of these critical components.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have created carbon nanotube transistors that outperform state-of-the-art silicon transistors, achieving a current 1.9 times higher than silicon transistors. The breakthrough could pave the way for carbon nanotubes to replace silicon in electronic devices.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new strategy to synthesize covalent organic nanotubes (ONTs) with high mechanical strength. The 'helix-to-tube' method involves light-induced cross-linking of a helical polymer, resulting in ONTs with desirable functionalities.
α-synuclein aggregates are transported between neurons via lysosomal vesicles in tunneling nanotubes, enabling Parkinson's disease progression. This discovery highlights the role of tunneling nanotubes in intercellular communication and lysosome-mediated protein disposal.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed a new method to isolate pure semiconducting carbon nanotubes from impurities. This breakthrough resolves a long-standing challenge in harnessing the potential of carbon nanotubes in electronics and computing.
Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a novel, pot-shaped carbon nanomaterial with a deeper orifice than any previously produced hollow carbon nanostructure. The material's unique characteristic enables it to gradually release substances contained within, making it suitable for applications such as drug delivery systems.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed an oxygen-assisted aluminum/carbon dioxide power cell that captures CO2 while producing electricity and a valuable oxalate. This technology has the potential to reduce energy consumption in carbon capture systems, making it more commercially viable.
Researchers at MIT have developed a method to reinforce composite materials using carbon nanotubes, resulting in substantially stronger and more resistant materials. The stitched composites were found to be 30% stronger and withstood greater forces before breaking than existing composite materials.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory develop new method to convert CO2 into carbon monoxide, a reactant for making methanol fuel. The process is efficient and uses minimal energy, with the catalyst lasting over 100 hours.
Researchers at NIST develop a prefilling method to enhance the quality and consistency of single-wall carbon nanotubes by introducing a chemical filler. This approach yields superior results in optical applications, such as sensors and photodetectors.
Researchers at Rice University have developed 'rivet graphene', a two-dimensional carbon material with enhanced strength and conductivity. The new material uses nanotubes to reinforce its structure, making it suitable for flexible and transparent electronics.
Dr. Rodney S. Ruoff has been recognized with the SGL Carbon Award for his pioneering discoveries in carbon science, including the understanding of nanostructures and 2D materials. His work has greatly accelerated industrial developments in graphene-based materials and electrical energy storage systems.
MIT researchers have developed low-cost chemical sensors that enable smartphones to detect trace amounts of toxic gases. The sensors, made from chemically altered carbon nanotubes, can be worn by soldiers on the battlefield or people working with hazardous chemicals to rapidly detect the presence of chemical weapons.
The IBS team developed a novel approach to synthesize carbon nanostructures by embedding lanthanum ions in zeolite pores, resulting in graphene-like materials with high electrical conductivity. This efficient synthesis strategy enables the scalable production of carbon nanostructures for various applications.
A study by Northern Arizona University's Christina Schädel found that carbon dioxide is the largest contributor to permafrost thawing, with dry soils releasing more CO2 than wet ones. This discovery highlights the need to monitor changes in soil moisture conditions to better understand the impact of permafrost thawing on climate change.
A scientist at Lomonosov Moscow State University studied the influence of carbon nanotube 'stuffing' on their electronic properties. The researcher identified four main reasons why this method is promising for tailoring electronic properties.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new cancer-imaging technique that uses carbon nanotubes tagged with antibodies to pinpoint the location of tumors. The technique, known as spectral triangulation, uses non-invasive optical measurements to determine the depth and coordinates of the nanotube beacons in tissue.
Researchers investigate the interaction of nucleotide chains with metallic nanoparticles in carbon nanotubes using hybrid molecular dynamics simulation methods. The study highlights the potential of these systems for designing electronic diagnostic tools and drug delivery systems.
Researchers found low reorganization energy when pairing SWCNT semiconductors with fullerene molecules, enabling efficient electron transfer and solar energy harvesting. This discovery suggests nanotube semiconductors could be favorable for photovoltaic applications.
A team of researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) has developed a compact, miniaturized switching element that converts electric signals into clearly defined optical signals. The innovation uses integrated carbon nanotubes and nanostructured waveguides to generate narrow-band light in the desired color on the chip.
A Dartmouth study finds that clear-cutting forest soils increases carbon release, contributing to climate change. Soils store up to 50% of total ecosystem carbon, and logging disrupts soil carbon dynamics.
Researchers have stabilised ultra-long carbyne chains with over 6,400 carbon atoms, surpassing previous records. The new method uses double-walled carbon nanotubes to create the stable chains, which could lead to new nano-electronic applications.
Researchers at Rice University have discovered 'Teslaphoresis', a phenomenon where carbon nanotubes self-assemble into long wires using a Tesla coil's force field. The team, led by Paul Cherukuri, reported their results in ACS Nano and demonstrated the ability to assemble and power circuits using the force field.
Researchers at NREL have developed a thermoelectric power generator using carbon nanotubes, enabling the capture and use of waste heat. The material's unique properties allow it to retain high thermopower while maintaining low thermal conductivity.