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Carbon nanotubes are tiny tubes made of carbon atoms with useful electrical properties. They were developed using nanotechnology, which involves building electronic circuits and devices from single atoms and molecules. Carbon nanotubes have potential applications in solar cells, X-ray machines, flat panel displays, microwave generators, surge protectors, and high-intensity lamps. Recently, researchers have modified carbon nanotubes to supply electrons when exposed to light, which could lead to the development of solar cells using this technology.
Carbon nanotubes are hexagonal-shaped arrangements of carbon atoms that have been coiled into tubes. These tiny straw-like cylinders of pure carbon have useful electrical properties. They have already been used to make tiny transistors and one-dimensional copper wire.
They were developed using nanotechnology, a relatively new field that involves building electronic circuits and devices from single atoms and molecules. Nano means thousand-millionth of a unit. A nanometer is therefore one thousand-millionth of a metre. The first nanofabrication experiments occurred in 1990, when single atoms of xenon were placed on a nickel substrate and used to write a company logo. One of the main goals of nanotechnology is to make computer chips and other devices thousands of times smaller than they are today.
Carbon nanotubes have enormous theoretical possibilities but have fallen short of the hype surrounding their development. Researchers have continued to look for ways to use them, however, as successful applications have the potential to be highly profitable. In addition, scientists have recently succeeded in altering carbon nanotubes so that they supply electrons when exposed to light. This was done by having two flat rings of carbon molecules enclosing a ferrocene (iron) molecule. Ferrocene is known for its tendency to lose electrons. When exposed to visible light, the carbon atoms accepted the ferrocene molecule.
This is the first time carbon nanotubes have been hybridized to undergo light-induced electron transfer. The researchers say these modified nanotubes are the first step in building solar cells using this technology.
The recently discovered ability of carbon nanotubes to serve as electron sources has great potential. These atoms could one day replace the metal filaments in X-ray machines, which tend to burn quickly. Scientists hope to use them to develop portable X-ray machines for use in airport security, ambulance and customs work.
Carbon nanotubes also have great significance for use in flat panel displays, microwave generators, surge protectors, and high-intensity lamps.
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