Carbon Nanotubes to the Rescue!

Carbon nanotubes are a relatively new development in the field of nanotechnology. These amazing little cylinders open up a new world of material science and electronics! Here are some of the various uses for this technology could open up to us!

Smaller, faster electronics

We all know that electronics and their components are getting smaller. On top of that we require them to be faster and more efficient as well. Right now, copper and other metals can carry a decent amount of energy to get the job done. However, they can only transfer so much. Carbon nanotubes are capable of transferring up to 1000 times more current at a much faster rate than traditional metal components. Carbon nanotubes can also be produced much more cheaply. This will greatly benefit the electronics industry.

Stronger, more resilient materials

Carbon is a very abundant element on Earth. Much more abundant than iron or titanium. However, its not the strongest or most durable of materials. Or so we thought. The nanostructure of carbon nanotubes allow a thread of them to be much stronger and more flexible than even the strongest of metallic alloys. This will allow better bullet proof materials for law enforcement and military. This will also lead to more durable products.

Space elevator!

Yep, you read right! A space elevator can be made because of carbon nanotubes! The basic premise of a space elevator is to make an elevator to a space station that is synchronized with the rotation of the Earth. The problem is, as addressed in the last point, metal cables aren’t an option due to them being not very flexible. A cable constructed of carbon nanotubes, however, could stand the strains and tension associated with being several thousand feet long and pulled taut.