Researchers at the University of San Diego have found a way of bringing defective carbon nanotubes into effective use. According to the team of UCSD Professor Prabhakar Bandaru and graduate student Mark Hoefer, the flawed carbon nanotubes are capable of storing energy more effectively in comparison to their faulty equivalents. These microscopic cylinders with diameter of up to 100 nanometers have a perfect atomic structure that is the reason for its superior chemical and electrical properties.
Despite their faultless atomic structure, there is still provision for defects to occur. The study made the researchers reach a conclusion that defective nanotubes used in electrodes stored a charge more effectively. It was noticed that nanotubes exposure to argon or hydrogen could help in controlling the flaws and thereby raising or lowering the associated charge. Carbon nanotubes are known for its durability and strength, which makes the research team hope to resolve the cost, reliability, and underperformance issues of existing capacitators with the help of the nanotube-based electrode. The effect is successfully produced by creating just the right amount of defects, the amount that is enough to create additional charge sites on the nanotube, but not enough to break down its electrical conductivity. This research gives the world a genuine quick-charging, long lasting battery.
Via: CleanTechnica
