Microscopic carbon nanotubes a hundred thousand times thinner than a human hair may have the potential to transport electricity faster and over greater distances with minimal loss of energy, according to new research by Honda Research Institute USA, Inc., that will be published Friday, in the October 2nd edition of Science magazine. A scanning electron microscope is required to view this chiral mapping image of carbon nanotubes that are preferentially grown by controlling the shape and size of the catalyst.Tubes growing on red and pink exhibit metallic properties, while semiconducting tubes are on blue. The height of the nanotubes indicates the probability of each specific tube in the experiment.

Honda Nano Technology Has Promise for New Class of Electronics
Breakthrough Research to Appear in October 2 Edition of Science Magazine

COLUMBUS, OHIO -

Microscopic carbon nanotubes a hundred thousand times thinner than a human hair may have the potential to transport electricity faster and over greater distances with minimal loss of energy, according to new research that will be published Friday, in the October 2nd edition of Science magazine. The research was led by Honda Research Institute USA, Inc., in conjunction with researchers at Purdue University and the University of Louisville.

The findings open new possibilities for miniaturization and energy efficiency, including much more powerful and compact computers, electrodes for supercapacitors, electrical cables, batteries, solar cells, fuel cells, artificial muscles, composite material for automobiles and planes, energy storage materials and electronics for hybrid vehicles.

Microscopic carbon nanotubes are grown on the surface of metal nanoparticles, taking the cylindrical form of rolled honeycomb sheets with carbon atoms in their tips. When these tiny carbon nanotubes exhibit metallic conductivity they possess extraordinary strength compared to steel, higher electrical properties than copper, are as efficient in conducting heat as a diamond and are as light as cotton.

"Our goal is not only the creation of new and better technologies and products, but to fulfill Honda’s commitment to environment sustainability," said Dr. Hideaki Tsuru, project director from Honda Research Institute USA.

Past research efforts to control the structural formation of carbon nanotubes with metallic conductivity through conventional methodology resulted in a success rate of approximately 25 - 50%. Honda, which has worked in the field of carbon nanotube synthesis for almost a decade, has achieved a success rate of 91% metallic conductivity.

"This is the first report that shows we can control fairly systematically whether carbon nanotubes achieve a metallic state. Further research is in progress with the ultimate goal to take complete control over grown nanotube configurations to support their real world application," said Dr. Avetik Harutyunyan, principal scientist from Honda Research Institute USA, and the leader of the project.