![]() The methods presented herein show that solubilized carbon nanotubes have a great potential in being applied as reactants and components for advanced solar cell technologies, nanochemical compounds in electronics and as parts in thermal transfer management. In this review, a comprehensive survey of the methods of solubilization of carbon nanotubes is presented, forming the methodological foundation for synthesis and manufacturing of modified nanomaterials. Carbon nanotubes are also intriguing given their unique π-electron-rich structures, which opens a variety of possibilities for modifications and alterations of their chemical and electronic properties. "We need application leaders that can provide a pull for scaling up production and increasing efficiency.Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a central part of advanced nanomaterials and are used in state-of-the-art technologies, based on their high tensile strength, excellent thermal transfer properties, low-band gaps and optimal chemical and physical stability. "We're in the same situation as solar cells were a few decades ago," Pasquali said. Development of such materials is a focus of the Carbon Hub. He said the wearable market, although relatively small, could be an entry point for a new generation of sustainable materials that can be derived from hydrocarbons via direct splitting, a process that also produces clean hydrogen. "Because of the combination of conductivity, good contact with the skin, biocompatibility and softness, carbon nanotube threads are a natural component for wearables." ![]() "We see that, after two decades of development in labs worldwide, this material works in more and more applications," Pasquali said. The threads were then used to make “smart clothing” able to monitor the wearer’s heart. Their development is also part of the Rice-based Carbon Hub, a multiuniversity research initiative led by Rice and launched in 2019.Ī Rice University lab uses a custom device that weaves carbon nanotube fibers into larger threads for sewing. Since then the fibers, each containing tens of billions of nanotubes, have been studied for use as bridges to repair damaged hearts, as electrical interfaces with the brain, for use in cochlear implants, as flexible antennas and for automotive and aerospace applications. Pasquali's lab introduced carbon nanotube fiber in 2013. The fibers provided not only steady electrical contact with the wearer's skin but also served as electrodes to connect electronics like Bluetooth transmitters to relay data to a smartphone or connect to a Holter monitor that can be stowed in a user's pocket, Taylor said. The zigzag stitching pattern allows the fabric to stretch without breaking them. The fibers can be machine-sewn into fabric just like standard thread. ![]() The researchers noted nanotube fibers are soft and flexible, and clothing that incorporates them is machine washable. "In future studies, we will focus on using denser patches of carbon nanotube threads so there's more surface area to contact the skin." ![]() "The shirt has to be snug against the chest," said Rice graduate student Lauren Taylor, lead author of the study. When matched with commercial medical electrode monitors, the carbon nanotube shirt gave slightly better EKGs. On the whole, the shirt they enhanced was better at gathering data than a standard chest-strap monitor taking live measurements during experiments. The fibers are just as conductive as metal wires, but washable, comfortable and far less likely to break when a body is in motion, according to the researchers. ![]() The Brown School of Engineering lab of chemical and biomolecular engineer Matteo Pasquali reported in the American Chemical Society journal Nano Letters that it sewed nanotube fibers into athletic wear to monitor the heart rate and take a continual electrocardiogram (EKG) of the wearer. That's the idea behind " smart clothing" developed by a Rice University lab, which employed its conductive nanotube thread to weave functionality into regular apparel. ![]()
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