Connexions module: m22197 1
Carbon Nanostructures Fact Sheet
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Christian Cioce
This work is produced by The Connexions Project and licensed under the
Creative Commons Attribution License
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Abstract
This module contains facts relevant to carbon nanostructures.
Carbon Nanostructures Fact Sheet
Carbon nanostructures are exactly as their name implies, a nano-scale (10
-9
m) structure made exclusively
of carbon atoms. It was originally cited that single-walled carbon nanotubes displayed the property of
capturing hydrogen, however recent eîorts to replicate the results have been diîcult. It is known, however,
that doping the nanotube with a metal will have a profound eîect on capturing hydrogen
2
. The key beneît
of this storage technique is the availability of reversible binding at room temperature.
While these structures cannot capture as much hydrogen as the DOE goals require, many research eîorts
are being made to tune these structures so as to store a greater amount to hydrogen gas. Carbon nanotubes
are a relatively new technology and therefore eîorts must be made to drive down the cost of producing these
tubes. Nanotubes are a promising method of gas storage, and will most likely înd application in vehicles.
Image courtesy of Dr. Mohamed Eddaoudi at the University of South Florida, Department of Chemistry
[2] U.S. Department of Energy. http://www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/storage/carbon_materials.html
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Version 1.1: Apr 20, 2009 6:16 pm GMT-5
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http://www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/storage/carbon_materials.html
http://cnx.org/content/m22197/1.1/
