Twisted carbon nanotubes may obtain considerably higher power storage than superior lithium-ion batteries

A world group of scientists, together with two researchers who now work within the Heart for Superior Sensor Expertise (CAST) at UMBC, has proven that twisted carbon nanotubes can retailer thrice extra power per unit mass than superior lithium-ion batteries. The discovering could advance carbon nanotubes as a promising resolution for storing power in gadgets that have to be light-weight, compact, and protected, equivalent to medical implants and sensors. The analysis was revealed not too long ago within the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

Sanjeev Kumar Ujjain, from CAST, was a lead researcher on the work. He began the undertaking whereas at Shinshu College, in Nagano, Japan, and continued after arriving at UMBC in 2022. Preety Ahuja, from CAST, additionally contributed to the fabric characterization facets of the analysis.

The researchers studied single-walled carbon nanotubes, that are like straws produced from pure carbon sheets solely 1-atom thick. Carbon nanotubes are light-weight, comparatively simple to fabricate, and about 100 occasions stronger than metal. Their superb properties have led scientists to discover their potential use in a variety of futuristic-sounding know-how, together with house elevators.

To analyze carbon nanotubes’ potential for storing power, the UMBC researchers and their colleagues manufactured carbon nanotube “ropes” from bundles of commercially accessible nanotubes. After pulling and twisting the tubes right into a single thread, the researchers then coated them with completely different substances supposed to extend the ropes’ power and adaptability.

The group examined how a lot power the ropes may retailer by twisting them up and measuring the power that was launched because the ropes unwound. They discovered that the best-performing ropes may retailer 15,000 occasions extra power per unit mass than metal springs, and about thrice extra power than lithium-ion batteries.

The saved power stays constant and accessible at temperatures starting from -76 to +212 °F (-60 to +100 °C). The supplies within the carbon nanotube ropes are additionally safer for the human physique than these utilized in batteries.

“People have lengthy saved power in mechanical coil springs to energy gadgets equivalent to watches and toys,” Kumar Ujjain says. “This analysis exhibits twisted carbon nanotubes have nice potential for mechanical power storage, and we’re excited to share the information with the world.”

He says the CAST group is already working to include twisted carbon nanotubes as an power supply for a prototype sensor they’re creating.