Globalizer

 Nanotech has been considered as next disruptive technology. almost every industry can benefit from nanotech. nanotube as the most brilliant nanotech star is the hottest research area. among this big family, carbon nanotube (CNT) is no doubt the super star. scientists have revealed many potential important applications based on CNT material.

 all the applications are determined by the phsical properties. CNT mainly has following properties:

 1) excellent mechanical properties: very high tensil strength; highly flexible; very elastic

 2) good thermal properties: low thermal expansion coefficient; high thermal conductivity

 3) electrical properties: good electrical conductivity; good field emission of electrons; semconductor characters

 4) high aspect ratio

 due to these unbelievable functions, all kinds of enhancement applications and brand-new applications are figured out. I believe the next industrial revolution is around the corner. let's have a look at these important CNT applications:

 1) nanoelectronics: CNT-FET; CNT-memory; CNT-FED; gas sensors

 2) composites, paints&coatings

 3) new catalyst for mass production: due to high surface area

 4) biomedical applications: drug delivery; enzyme immobilization, cancer research and DNA transfection

 5) tool and equipment: high resolution microscopy; AFM tips; actuators for robot, optical fiber switch, etc.

 6) cleantech: air and water filtration; fuel cell; hydrogen storage; solar collection

 Today, I found another interesting application: nanoknife to cut cell.

To design the nanoknife, the NIST and CU scientists welded a carbon nanotube between two electrochemically sharpened tungsten needles. In the resulting prototype, the nanotube stretches between two ends of a tungsten wire loop. The knife resembles a steel wire that cuts a block of cheese.

 I wish perhaps in future doctor can use nanoknife to precisely cut off cancer cell and other deadly disease cells though the nanoknife is not born for this purpose. I am looking forward to the further research progress.