The Scientific, Commercial and Creative

The Scientific, Commercial and Creative Prospects in Carbon Nanotube Innovations

Most simply phrased, the carbon nanotube is a form of carbon. The most recently uncovered of eight carbon allotropes, this is a molecular configuration of the basic element and is categorized as a member of the fullerene family. The fullerene allotrope has itself only recently been added to the list of known configurations. A spherical manifestation of the element, this molecule is similar to the tubular form in its linked, hexagonal structure and hollow walls. (Wikipedia, 1) The carbon nanotube eluded full exploitation for so long perhaps because of its novel structure, even more certainly, for lack of the proper magnification technology to fully explore its possible applications. Cylindrically shaped, carbon nanotubes are so named for their extremely small diameter, which can be estimated at "a few nanometers (approximately 50,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair), while they can be up to several millimeters in length." (Wikipedia, 1) The exponential comparison of the length to the decisively minute diameter renders a form of carbon with a unique permutation of properties and, thus, of applications. The carbon nanotube is uniquely strong. Exhibiting a strength and elasticity greater than any other carbon allotrope, the molecule may be detected in either the single-wall formation or the multi-wall formation. To distinguish, "single-wall nanotubes can be thought of as the fundamental cylindrical structure, and these form the building blocks of both multi- wall nanotubes and the ordered arrays of single-wall nanotubes called ropes." (Dresselhaus, 1) These ropes exhibit a dipolar effect in which intermolecular forces naturally draw the carbon nanotubes into tightly interlocked formations. This accounts for their potential to be extended to great lengths without surrendering or distorting any of the properties which make the nanotube so important a discovery. It is widely noted that Sumio Iijima 'discovered' the carbon nanotube in 1991, when he utilized the process of orbital hybridization to merge atomic particles in the synthesis of a new allotrope. In fact though, journal records illustrate that researchers have in some form or another ventured to devise practical applications for the microscopic exploratory potential in extraordinarily precise molecular filaments since as far back as 1889. (Monthioux et al, 2) However, it was with Iijima's published article on the behalf of the NEC Corporation that the modern inception of the carbon nanotube into the thereafter increasingly proliferated discipline of nanotechnology began in earnest. Iijima produced a study documenting his teams formation of a new, usable carbon allotrope, "using an arc-discharge evaporation method similar to that used for fullerene synthesis, the needles grow at the negative end of the electrode used for the arc discharge. Electron microscopy reveals that each needle comprises coaxial tubes of graphitic sheets, ranging in number from 2 up to about 50. On each tube the carbon-atom hexagons are arranged in a helical fashion about the needle axis." (Iijima, 56) Following the publication of his findings, the carbon nanotube has developed into an item of central importance in the advancement of its field. Nanotechnology concerns the implementation of technological strategies that must be executed at a scale of infinitesimal smallness, with the ambition of observing and manipulating matter at the atomic level as a prospective eventual horizon. The implications of nanotechnology extend through virtually any discipline, offering enhancements to computer hardware, medical equipment and procedure, military equipment, building resources and space exploration. Thus, the advent of a material as strong as the carbon nanotube-with its strength derived from a hybridization process in which a double bond adjoins multiple molecules-has illuminated a great many innovative possibilities. And indeed, "it is becoming clear from recent experiments that carbon nanotubes are fulfilling their promise to be the ultimate high strength fibres in materials applications." (Forro et al, 5) The allotrope's most rational immediate applications are already beginning to find commercial use, with nanotubes being dispatched to the polymers composing concrete, improving the strength and elasticity of architectural resources. This may point the way to safer, sounder structures. The electromagnetic properties of the nanotube also make it a versatile matter for use in computer circuitry, where its low conducting heat might make it a promising replacement for silicon. Other practical uses include its employment as a longer-lasting lightbulb filament; its currently implemented use as a conductive element in tiny electric motors; and the manufacture of wear-resistant fibers. Still more fantastical applications have already begun to find their way into production. A compelling scientific elaboration upon the availability of carbon nanotubes has been the synthesis of artificial muscle. The carbon nanotubes' strength, smallness and electroactive responsiveness make it a suitable transmitter of sensory signals in the field of robotics. Another imaginative prospect currently under exploration is the development of the Space Elevator. Addressed through investigation at several joint universities in the United States, the collective ambition "is that one day a space elevator, comprised of a robot that will climb a strong tether about 100,000 kilometres (60,000 miles) long, will be able to send humans or other cargo cheaply into space." (Young, 1) The ribbon with which this would be accomplished, most of the researchers currently involved believe, must be composed of carbon nanotube. Its defining capability to retain its hardness at lengths many times greater than its diameter suggests it as the ideal material for the project. As of 2004, researchers had claimed the ability to produce a nanotube of up to 300 meters in length. (Wikipedia, 1) However, current limitations in available technology render a lengthened nanotube whose properties will have changed due to a decrease in density. Particularly, the characteristic strength of the nanotube would be compromised under currently available technological conditions. Still, some applications which may be in the more immediate future could have a great impact on our current technological standards. By using electron lithography and reactive ion etching to render a charged nanotube 300nm long, nanotechnology physicists have exposed another promising implementation of the substance. A mounted, charged and extended nanotube is produced by this process, resulting in a tightly stretched, thin 'guitar string' of carbon. The taut rendering of the carbon device, researchers have hypothesized, will allow it, when stimulated, to vibrate at extremely high frequencies. The recent breakthrough in a University of California, Berkeley laboratory, occurring just in August of this year, is a powerful demonstration of the potential applications for the fast evolving technology. The study demonstrated "how a test mass placed on the string causes it to vibrate more slowly. The device can detect masses of just 10- 18 grams." (Adler, 1) Such is to assert that this application of the nanotube will allow us to detect items at a mass which today is impossible to physically measure. The metric cited above is currently only theoretical, but may become the empirically observable mass of the molecule according to the attendant researchers. The exciting implications of this technology, therefore, may extend as far as the detection of bacteria or chemicals which are in some context potentially harmful to human beings. The research cited above contends that the successful attainment of this project's goals will yield a tool capable of locating a viral infection in the body at its incubational stages. Likewise, its sensitivity to the presence of molecular agents which might be identified in detecting and preventing impending terrorist germ or chemical assaults suggests an incredible potential for the advancement of defense and security technology. Today though, the allotrope's most rational immediate applications are already beginning to find commercial use, with nanotubes being dispatched to the polymers composing concrete, improving the strength and elasticity of architectural resources. This may point the way to safer, sounder structures. Indeed, as our research denotes, "concrete structures from bridges to condominium complexes are susceptible to cracks, corrosion and other forces of natural and man-made chemical assault and degradation. Aging structures can be repaired, but at significant cost." (AzoNano, 1) This points to the initial presumption in this discussion, that there is a real and persistent need to continue to improve our means to build structures that are safe and reliable. Increasingly, evidence is suggesting that the unique properties of the carbon nanofiber makes it an appropriate way to reinforce concrete walling where deemed appropriate. The simultaneous sturdiness and flexibility may help to give concrete the type of composition that might allow it withstand the fluctuation and imposition of the elements. To this idea, our research denotes that "nanofibers made of carbon, for example, might be added to a concrete bridge, making it possible to heat the structure during winter or allowing it to monitor itself for cracks because of the fibers' ability to conduct electricity." (AzoNano, 1) In fact, the electromagnetic properties of the nanotube make it a versatile matter for use in a number of other areas, such as computer circuitry, longer-lasting lightbulb filament; its currently implemented use as a conductive element in tiny electric motors; and the manufacture of wear-resistant fibers. At present though, the ramifications of the use of carbon nanofiber technology in the development of stronger concrete seems one of the most immediately realistic of applications. Real trial-based evidence shows a clear success in reduced cracking in cement which is reinforced thusly. Our research tells that these reinforces cement bodies "have aspect ratios of 500 or more and diameters - about the same size as the distance between layers in hydrated cement - so that cracks in the matrix would quickly encounter well-dispersed SWCNTs, inhibiting their growth." (Makar, 1) In order for these findings to be used in any real-world setting, we must continue to refine and broaden the field of empirical study on this subject. Beyond concrete, the far-reaching potential yielded by the proliferation of the carbon nanotube is not simple exciting, but may prove itself to be one of the most important revelations of its time. The sheer diversity of its usability and the relative novelty in the exploration of its properties suggests that its capacity for as yet unimagined technological applications is still unfolding