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Breakthrough in development of small-diameter, high-density carbon nanowires

Scientists at Meijo University developed a new method to synthesize small-diameter single-walled carbon nanowires with a high density of long linear carbon chains. The breakthrough enables researchers to probe the properties of these unstable carbon chains, which have outstanding theoretical mechanical strength and thermal conductivity.

SourceMeijo University·JournalChemical Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2025

Researchers develop conductive gel to improve study of spinal cord injuries

Binghamton University researchers have created a hydrogel electrode that includes conductive carbon nanotubes to monitor nerve activity in spinal cord neurons and leg muscles in mice. The technology solves the problem of rigid materials causing damage during movement, allowing for long-term functionality and single-cell signal detection.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2025

Non-destructive image sensor goes beyond bulkiness

Researchers at Chuo University developed a non-destructive image sensor with a freely coatable and paintable design for functional photo-thermal modules. The new design enables the full utilization of photo-thermoelectric (PTE) sensors, overcoming trade-off trends between photo-absorptance values and Seebeck coefficients.

SourceChuo University·JournalSmall Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025

Rice researchers unveil ‘surprising’ breakthrough in carbon nanotube recycling, paving way for sustainable materials

Researchers at Rice University have successfully recycled carbon nanotube fibers without losing their structure or properties. The discovery positions CNT fibers as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like metals and polymers, offering a solution to waste management problems in industries such as aerospace and automotive.

SourceRice University·JournalCarbon·DateJan 13, 2025

Pusan National University researchers explore the interplay between high-affinity DNA and carbon nanotubes

The study demonstrates significant advancements in stability and functionality of ssDNA-SWCNT complexes, with high-affinity sequences showing superior binding strength. The findings also reveal notable improvements in resistance to enzymatic degradation, making these complexes suitable for long-term biological applications.

SourcePusan National University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

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

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

Campus to cosmos: Illinois researchers 3D print carbon films

Researchers at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology have discovered an efficient and sustainable method for 3D-printing single-walled carbon nanotube films. The method uses powder, ink, and 3D printing to produce durable and conductive materials ideal for space exploration, wearable electronics, and more.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Tangle no more, nanotubes

Researchers develop less-corrosive solutions using methanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and oleum acids to separate and process nanotubes. The new method enables scalable production of advanced materials with excellent electrical and mechanical properties.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

3D nano-inks push industry boundaries

Mechanical engineering researchers at Michigan Technological University have created a 3D-printable nanocomposite polymeric ink using carbon nanotubes. The ink's properties, such as electrical conductivity and increased strength, make it suitable for various applications, including aerospace and electronics industries.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateSep 24, 2021

Engineering matter at the atomic level

Scientists have developed a way to engineer materials at the atomic level using a dry transfer technique. The method uses anthracene as a sacrificial material to precisely position carbon nanotubes, resulting in bright photoluminescence up to 5,000 times brighter than the original molecule.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2021

Measuring carbon nanotubes taken up by plants

Researchers developed a way to measure levels of specific carbon nanotubes in plant tissues using programmed thermal analysis. This method can detect small amounts of carbon nanotubes in leaves, stems, and roots, providing crucial insights into their environmental fate and potential human exposure.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateFeb 24, 2021

No touching: Skoltech researchers find contactless way to measure thickness of carbon nanotube films

Researchers at Skoltech have developed a non-invasive technique for measuring the thickness of single-walled carbon nanotube films, which may have applications in solar energy, smart textiles, and more. The method uses spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine film parameters with high accuracy.

Rational transparent conductor design provides a boost to carbon nanotubes application

Scientists at Skoltech developed a novel p-type flexible transparent conductor using single-walled carbon nanotubes, which opens new avenues for its applications. The newly developed conductor achieved a record power conversion efficiency of 8.8% in solar cells, outperforming traditional amorphous silicon solar cells.

Carbon is the new black

Carbon nanotubes enable the creation of 'smart' materials for powering electronics, with potential applications in military technology and medical research. The unique properties of carbon nanotubes make them suitable for replacing traditional materials such as copper wire and polyester fibers.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMaterials Research Express·DateJul 10, 2018

Converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into batteries

Researchers at Vanderbilt University and George Washington University have developed a way to convert carbon dioxide into batteries using graphite electrodes replaced with carbon material recovered from the atmosphere. This process produces carbon nanotubes that can be incorporated into lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, offering a ...

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 2, 2016

Shaking things up: NIST researchers propose new old way to purify carbon nanotubes

A team at NIST has developed a simple and cost-effective way to separate metallic from semiconducting carbon nanotubes, paving the way for high-purity samples in electronics applications. The method uses liquid extraction with subtle differences in polymer hydrophobicity, yielding high-resolution results.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 1, 2013

'Sifting' liquid at the molecular level

Researchers develop method for separating liquids using individual carbon nanotubes, which act as separation channels for chemically distinct molecules. This technology could prove useful in forensic studies and analyzing molecules from single cells, enabling analysis of trace evidence and invisible stains.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2012

Method sorts out double-walled carbon nanotube problem

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a technique to produce double-walled carbon nanotubes with improved electrical conductivity, spatial resolution, and scanning lifetimes. The method uses density gradient ultracentrifugation to separate the nanotubes, resulting in longer DWNTs that outperform single-walled nanotubes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 14, 2008