Carbon nanotube conductors

Researchers at the Honda Research Institute

, with support from academics at

and

, have been assessing nanotubes and their potential to transport electricity faster over large distances with minimum energy loss.

The carbon nanotubes may open up new possibilities for more powerful and compact fuel cells, energy storage materials and hybrid vehicles.

Grown on the surface of metal nanoparticles, they take the form of rolled honeycomb sheets with carbon atoms in their tips.

Researchers at Purdue University used a transmission electron microscope to observe nanotube formation, revealing that changes in the gaseous environment can vary the shape of the metal catalyst nanoparticles from very sharp faceted to completely round.

Further work carried out at Louisville produced the nanotubes in larger volumes and made measurements to determine whether the nanotubes achieve a metallic state.

According to the researchers, the carbon nanotube formation revealed metallic conductivity that was significantly stronger when compared to steel, had higher electrical properties than copper, was as light as cotton and could conduct heat as efficiently as a diamond.