A world crew of scientists, together with two researchers who now work within the Heart for Superior Sensor Know-how (CAST) at UMBC, has proven that twisted carbon nanotubes can retailer 3 times extra power per unit mass than superior lithium-ion batteries. The discovering might advance carbon nanotubes as a promising resolution for storing power in units that have to be light-weight, compact, and protected, corresponding to medical implants and sensors. The analysis was revealed lately within the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
Sanjeev Kumar Ujjain, from CAST, was a lead researcher on the work. He began the mission 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 features of the analysis.
The researchers studied single-walled carbon nanotubes, that are like straws made out of pure carbon sheets solely 1-atom thick. Carbon nanotubes are light-weight, comparatively simple to fabricate, and about 100 instances stronger than metal. Their wonderful properties have led scientists to discover their potential use in a variety of futuristic-sounding expertise, together with area elevators.
To analyze carbon nanotubes’ potential for storing power, the UMBC researchers and their colleagues manufactured carbon nanotube “ropes” from bundles of commercially out there nanotubes. After pulling and twisting the tubes right into a single thread, the researchers then coated them with totally different substances supposed to extend the ropes’ power and suppleness.
The crew 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 instances extra power per unit mass than metal springs, and about 3 times 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 units corresponding to watches and toys,” Kumar Ujjain says. “This analysis reveals 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 crew is already working to include twisted carbon nanotubes as an power supply for a prototype sensor they’re creating.