June 28, 2006 – Scientists at Rice University in Houston have developed a method for sorting semiconducting carbon nanotubes according to their size.
Nanotubes are tiny cylinders of carbon about the size as a strand of DNA. They come in many varieties, some with properties that are known to be coveted by material scientists. Nanotubes are stronger than steel, but weigh only a sixth as much. Some varieties can conduct electricity while others make for good semiconductors.
This most recent discovery of sorting nanotubes could form the basis of a purification system capable of creating next-generation energy, the researchers said.
The research on nanotubes is due to appear in the upcoming issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
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