Technology shrinks over time. Sure, big screen TVs might be the exception that proves the rule, but whatever a person could watch from the comfort of their own couch can be watched on a touch-screen tablet or a smartphone for enjoyment on the go.
In order for these innovations to continue meeting our society's increasing demand for Internet connectivity in everything – thermostats, watches, eyeglasses and so much more – electrical engineers need to invent new ways to harness huge power and capability with smaller and smaller design space.
"When combined with a polymer coating, carbon nanotubes exceed even the highest expectations."
Enter graphene, a substance poised to replace silicon as the single most important material to modern engineering. Ribbons of graphene the width of a single carbon atom wrap into straw-like structures known as carbon nanotubes. These objects offer many attractive qualities to scientists and manufacturers, but when combined with a polymer coating carbon nanotubes exceed even their own mile-high expectations.
What's so great about carbon nanotubes in the first place?
A hexagonal lattice-like carbon nanotube can outperform the resilience of steel and even diamond, yet it has the malleability of rubber. Chances are, if carbon nanotubes find their way into your personal electronic devices, this substance – most likely employed as a transistor – will outlive every other component it works with. Dropping a device might crack the touch screen, but no amount of casual concussive force could inflict damage on any carbon nanotubes inside. After all, NewScientist asserts people want to eventually make bulletproof vests out of this stuff since a few sheets can stop a gunshot twice a reliably as Kevlar. Soon entire devices will be made from this nigh-indestructible material.
But perhaps the carbon nanotube's greatest advantage is its natural conductivity. Not only can graphene withstand a greater capacity for energy, but it can also transfer electrons much faster than silicon, making it an excellent tool for electronics.
Where do polymers fit into all this?
Researchers from Kyushu University in Japan have discovered numerous ways introducing polymers to the outside of carbon nanotubes can amplify their bevy of powers even further.
As a basic application, polymers help these nanoscopic cylinders stay separate from each other. The research team noticed how carbon nanotubes tend to stick together, which can be a hassle when you're dealing with structures 50,000 times thinner than a human hair, according to the Daily Mail. Non-covalent polymer wrapping discourages clinginess without altering the chemical makeup of the nanotubes.
Additionally, these scientists' material analysis found a variety of other ways carbon nanotubes and polymer make a perfect match. Carbon nanotubes have the potential to become a major player in solar power installations. Though solar is one of the most prominent up-and-comers in the alternative energy business, proliferation will require a higher rate of photovoltaic generation in order to compete with the likes of natural gas, oil or coal. Coat a carbon nanotube in the right colored polymer and sunrays can be drawn to these energy receptors with greater retention.
Moreover, a polymer and nanotube tandem can also help you recover from an illness faster. If carbon nanotubes become a part of pharmaceutical delivery, polymer could camouflage the medicine from the body's immune system. That way, antibodies won't unwittingly attack the drug and diminish its curative effects.