Twisted carbon nanotubes might obtain considerably higher vitality storage than superior lithium-ion batteries

A world crew 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 3 times extra vitality per unit mass than superior lithium-ion batteries. The discovering could advance carbon nanotubes as a promising resolution for storing vitality in units that must be light-weight, compact, and protected, equivalent to medical implants and sensors. The analysis was printed not too long ago 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 facets of the analysis.

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

To research carbon nanotubes’ potential for storing vitality, the UMBC researchers and their colleagues manufactured carbon nanotube “ropes” from bundles of commercially obtainable nanotubes. After pulling and twisting the tubes right into a single thread, the researchers then coated them with totally different substances meant to extend the ropes’ energy and suppleness.

The crew examined how a lot vitality the ropes might retailer by twisting them up and measuring the vitality that was launched because the ropes unwound. They discovered that the best-performing ropes might retailer 15,000 occasions extra vitality per unit mass than metal springs, and about 3 times extra vitality than lithium-ion batteries.

The saved vitality 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 vitality in mechanical coil springs to energy units equivalent to watches and toys,” Kumar Ujjain says. “This analysis exhibits twisted carbon nanotubes have nice potential for mechanical vitality 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 vitality supply for a prototype sensor they’re growing.