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

A global 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 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, reminiscent of medical implants and sensors. The analysis was revealed just lately within the journal Nature Nanotechnology.

Sanjeev Kumar Ujjain, from CAST, was a lead researcher on the work. He began the challenge 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 comprised of pure carbon sheets solely 1-atom thick. Carbon nanotubes are light-weight, comparatively straightforward 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 house elevators.

To analyze carbon nanotubes’ potential for storing vitality, 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 meant to extend the ropes’ energy and adaptability.

The crew examined how a lot vitality the ropes may retailer by twisting them up and measuring the vitality that was launched because the ropes unwound. They discovered that the best-performing ropes may retailer 15,000 instances 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 reminiscent of watches and toys,” Kumar Ujjain says. “This analysis reveals 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.