Carbon nanotube can generate large currents

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have discovered a new way to generate electricity: using carbon nanotubes to generate electricity, which can be applied to microscopic devices.

Michael Strano, a research team member, said the project opened up a new page in the field of energy research.

First, the team prepared carbon nanotubes with a diameter of 1 nanometers, then coated a layer of fuel on the surface of the tube, using a laser beam or a high-pressure spark to burn the fuel to one end of the tube. Then, the heat waves produce yeast in the tube.

The heat generated in the process travels at a very rapid rate, forming a wave of heat that moves electrons, creating a large current.

Organizational materials at the nanoscale can generate electricity when excited by the temperature that opens up new energy sources.

"The experiment first evaluates the heat produced during combustion," says Strano. "It can run on carbon nanotubes, and heat waves can push electrons forward in carbon nanotubes." This test system was able to provide power.

The power generated from the carbon nanotube is 100 times the power of the same lithium-ion battery.

Michael Strano adds that the electricity generated by this experimental system is much larger than the conventional thermal calculations.

At present, scientists have not been able to fully evaluate the applications of this system in the future, but it can provide power for microelectronics and environmental sensors. Theoretically, this system is not as costly as the battery.

The researchers plan to use different coatings to create alternating current and possibly other applications. In addition, improving performance is also a difficult problem in the future.