New Carbon Nanotube Characteristics Discovered

Recently, scientists from Shanghai University, China first discovered under certain conditions that carbon nanotubes could convert heat into energy and vice versa.

The structure of the carbon nanotube is 1.4 nanometers across - an inverse form of carbon, which expresses many of the extraordinary properties. (Photo: Internet)

The results of this study hope to bring 'nanoscience converters' into reality.

Since it has been found to date, carbon nanotubes have great properties that can be used to fabricate a wide variety of nanoscale components such as nano scales, nano signal generators.

However, carbon nanotubes can transform the outer energy into mechanical energy, yet many of the mystical properties need to be explored and become the focus of scientific interest.

Professor Truong Dien Trung of the Shanghai University's Institute for Applied Mathematics and Applied Life has adopted a molecular dynamics model, after a single-layer carbon nanotube of more than 3, 5nm is squeezed, this phenomenon will spread to the entire nanotube vertically.

By this phenomenon, scientists have seen a change in energy, ie, when the carbon nanotube is gradually flattened, the part of the potential energy in it gradually becomes functional.

Next, the researchers restore the flattened nanotube into a cylindrical 'carbon nanotube'. By increasing the temperature to over 100 degrees Celsius, the flat carbon nanotube begins to return to its original shape and, if it falls below 100 degrees Celsius, the carbon nanotube is flattened.

The discovery of this new property is an important bridge for scientists to find a way to switch between heat and power in carbon nanotubes.