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Scientists ‘see’ nanoscale forces, providing evidence of electric fields at the air‑water interface

Researchers used 3D electron microscopy to capture direct evidence of electric fields at air-water interfaces, opening a path to rationally designed clean-energy materials. The study found a repulsive force holding thinnest films together, reaching 10 megapascals, and provided chemical evidence for the electric field's existence.

SourceKyushu University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2026

Paint it black(er): A new way to make cars darker than ever

Scientists have created a practical way to make ultra-black coatings that meet automotive standards, using a composite of carbon black pigment and carbon nanotubes. The resulting color is a deep jet black with excellent long-term stability, opening the door for high-end car models in darker hues.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter & Light·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2026

Energy-efficient reactor captures and recycles methane to produce clean hydrogen and carbon nanotubes

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an energy-efficient reactor that captures and recycles methane to produce clean hydrogen and high-performance carbon nanotubes. The process uses a multi-pass floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition reactor with process gas recycling, significantly reducing energy requirements.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 26, 2026

How molecules move in extreme water environments depends on their shape

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study how organic molecules move with supercritical water inside carbon nanotubes. Aromatic compounds significantly slowed down their own motion and surrounding water, while alkanes moved relatively freely. Temperature played a key role in overcoming transport limitations.

Acid-treated carbon nanotubes boost efficiency and stability of flexible perovskite solar modules

Researchers have developed flexible perovskite solar modules with power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 20% using acid-treated carbon nanotubes as window electrodes. These modules exhibit improved stability, bendability, and scalability, making them a promising solution for sustainable energy systems.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2025

New sensor sniffs out look-alike molecules in the air

Researchers developed a new type of gas sensor that can identify different types of air components by recognizing tiny structural differences in common volatile compounds. The sensor, which uses custom-built sugar-based receptors, shows promise for future non-invasive medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and quality control.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEuropean Journal of Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2025

Seoul National University of Science and Technology researchers develop 3D-printed carbon nanotube sensors for smart health monitoring

Seoul National University researchers create highly stretchable, electrically conductive carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites using vat photopolymerization type 3D printing. The new material is optimized for smart health monitoring applications, enabling real-time pressure distribution detection.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalComposite Structures·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2025

SeoulTech develop hybrid polymer-CNT electrodes for safer brain-machine interfaces

Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology developed a microelectrode with three-dimensional carbon nanotubes that efficiently conduct electricity while being soft like tissue. The arrays demonstrated stable insertion in brain tissues, precise recording of visual responses, and reduced inflammatory responses.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2025

Spatially accurate & fast printing of testing sensors

A research group at Chuo University has developed an all-printable device fabrication strategy to overcome technical limitations of multi-functional image sensor sheets. The new technique accurately prints carbon nanotube channels and integrates other constituents into single devices, facilitating non-destructive monitoring.

SourceChuo University·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2025

Carbon nanotube yarns generate electricity from waste heat

Researchers at Okayama University have developed a novel method to produce carbon nanotube yarns with excess electrons that can harvest waste heat. The yarns achieved high thermoelectric power factors within temperatures ranging from 30 to 200 °C, making them suitable for practical applications such as fabric-based modules.

SourceOkayama University·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2024

Powering wearable devices with high-performing carbon nanotube yarns

Scientists at Nara Institute of Science and Technology create flexible wearable thermoelectric generators that produce electricity from body heat using high-performing carbon nanotube yarns. The yarns, developed through a low-cost and environmentally friendly method, show three times higher power factor than previous CNT yarns.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 20, 2024

Novel high entropy alloy nanoparticle catalysts for growing high-density carbon nanotubes

Researchers from Meijo University developed a new catalyst using high entropy alloy nanoparticles to grow high-density carbon nanotubes. The study shows that the unique surface structure of HEA NPs provides various active sites for catalytic reactions, resulting in higher catalytic activity than individual metals.

SourceMeijo University·JournalChemical Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

The emergence of molecule glasses capable of unveiling the mysteries of life marks the beginning of a new era in bioscience

Dr. Lee's CNT transistor enables detailed examination of molecular interactions, capturing serotonin and dopamine movements with unprecedented sensitivity. The research paves the way for high-precision study of intermolecular interactions, potentially leading to precise medical technology capable of controlling biological systems.

Carbon nanotube Eye: reconstruction of inner hidden composition & structure of inspection targets

A research group at Chuo University developed a novel non-destructive inspection technique combining multi-functional photo monitoring devices with image data-driven three-dimensional restoration methods. The technique precisely evaluates target objects by compositional identifications and structural reconstructions, providing a breakt...

SourceChuo University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Organic electronics lead to new ways to sense light

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a soft, flexible, and wireless optical sensor based on carbon nanotubes and organic transistors formed on ultra-thin polymer film. The sensor has high sensitivity over a wide range of wavelengths and can work even after being crumpled into a ball.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2024

Acidic layer in single-walled carbon nanotubes facilitates confinement of anion impurities

Researchers at Okayama University found that an acidic adsorption layer in carbon nanotubes facilitates efficient adsorption of negatively charged nitrate anions, making the aqueous solution alkaline. This study provides a novel model for designing carbon nanotubes suitable for ion adsorption and purification.

SourceOkayama University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022