Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

One of the basic nanotechnology structures, a carbon nanotube is a graphite sheet one atomic layer thick of carbon that is wrapped on itself to create an extraordinarily long, thin, strong tube. NASA licensed its patented technique for manufacturing high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes to Idaho Space Materials. Now the carbon nanotubes based on this process are being used by researchers and companies that are working on the next generation of composite polymers, metals, and ceramics that will impact almost every aspect of life. ISM can now produce single-walled CNTs at a rate of fifty grams per hour. These nanotubes then can be used in a wide range of applications. "Carbon nanotubes will make people's lives better through a wide range of uses, including medical advances, fuel cells, video displays, and solar cells," said Roger Smith of ISM.