"Ideal" Nanotube Diodes have Future Solar Applications

GE Global Research has developed a 'perfect' carbon nanotube diode, which should allow development of smaller, faster electronic devices and more efficient solar systems. They describe the discovery as an ideal carbon nanotube diode that operates at the 'theoretical limit.  The ideal efficiency of the nanotubes gives them an advantage over other diodes where heat generation is a concern that often limits the use of small computer chips.  The tiny nanotubes photovoltaic effect has "broad implications for solar energy."  "The discovery of a photovoltaic effect in our nanotube device could lead to exciting breakthroughs in solar cells that make them more efficient and a more viable alternative in the mainstream energy market."  Products using this technology most likely will not be available for many years in the future.

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the carbon nanotube diode is shown at left. The "hairline" running diagonally across the "black bar" in this photograph is the carbon nanotube, which is about 80,000 times smaller than a human hair.  A nanotube is about 1.4 nanometers in diameter compared to current microprocessor transistors which are in the 65 nanometer range.

This could rank as the most important discovery of the year, if not the decade.  Keep a watch out for this technology to appear in commercial products.

Resources:

"GE brings nanotech breakthrough to light" timesunion.com, 8/20/05
"GE Global Research Develops “Ideal” Carbon Nanotube Diode", GE Global Research Press Release, 8/18/05

Technocrati tags: nanotubes, nanotechnology, photovotaics, solar, diodes

Comments

[doug roberts]

can or will nano-technolgy be used to make nano gasolines? nano oils?
doug-roberts@hotmail.com