Metallic Carbon Nanotubes



 Metallic carbon nanotubes are the best at transporting molecules. A team at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLVL) are researching this movement.

The separation of molecules is very important to modern technology. It is used in high value chemicals, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and even in water desalination. 

Researchers have found that pores inside of metallic carbon nanotubes (smaller than one nanometer)enhance both water and proton transport.  The new nanotubes are better at transporting over the conventional semiconducting carbon nanotubes. 

Alex Noy is the lead author of a paper that appeared in nature materials. He reports, “ These results emphasize the complex role of the electronic properties of nanofluidic channels in modulating transport under extreme nano scale confinement.”

All current separating Technologies are quite refined and sophisticated. Their effectiveness reaches the limits of the platforms that power them. The performance of Polymer membranes is also limited and this substance plays a big role in conventional separations. A further increase in precision means switching to platforms that provide similar sized pores and structures. 

In this new study, researchers examined metal and superconducting nano tubes. They were trying to commit to a material that was best for transporting molecules. The team discovered that pure carbon nanotubes worked the best.

Yuhao Li is a co-author of the paper and is based at LLNL. He stated “ Synthetic channels and nanofluidic Channels provide compelling alternatives to conventional polymer nanopores.”

Another co-author and LLNL researcher is named Zhong Wu Li. He reports “In many cases, they create strong spatial confinement that is reminiscent of biological membrane channels, and can harness some of their exquisite selectivity mechanisms.”

The pores of carbon tubes have smooth hydrophobic walls. This enables very fast gas and water transport and strong ion selectivity. The research shows the Results have a close connection between electronic properties of the channels walls and the efficiency of its transport.

Yet even more exciting Research into carbon nanotubes is coming! 

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