Nanotube mix makes liquid crystal

Researchers from the University of Cambridge in England have found that carbon nanotubes can be mixed with a solvent to form a liquid crystal.

Carbon nanotubes are rolled-up sheets of carbon atoms that can be as narrow as 0.4 nanometers, or the span of four hydrogen atoms. They have useful electrical and mechanical properties and are a leading player in nanotechnology.

Liquid crystal forms an ordered structure like a crystal along one dimension, but acts like a liquid in the other two.

The researchers' method opens the possibility of processing materials made from carbon nanotubes in ways similar to those used for existing materials like rigid chain polymers, or plastics. Carbon nanotubes may eventually enable ultrasensitive sensors, super-dense computer memory, and molecular-scale electronics.

The researchers' method also provides a way to more closely examine the structure of the liquid crystalline state. Liquid crystals are commonly used in computer displays.

Nanotube liquid crystal could be used in practical applications in five years, according to the researchers. The work appeared in the November 21, 2003 issue of Science.