Carbon Nanotubes have a vast diversity in potential
applications. The structure of the carbon nanotube is unique in its ability to
serve as a perfect electrical conductor. This property allows for carbon nanotube technology (CNT) to be
used in electrical components, superconductors, and batteries (Endo, M.).
Figure 1: Carbon Nanotube Structure. [Source:
www.dsaic.org]
CNT is
also advancing in healthcare technology. CNT can be used to augment
nanomedicine due to its low toxicity and ability to quickly deliver desired
drugs into cells and organs (Bianco, A.). Furthermore, CNT can be arranged into
a sponge-like structure in order to absorb multiple times its weight in oil
(understandingnano.com). This application can minimize the damage due to oil
spills. As I mentioned, the applications of CNT technology is only limited by
the user’s imagination. But what is the most important application of CNT to
art?
CNT structure allows for great structural strength and flexibility.
The use of CNT will be able to revolutionize structures and architecture in the
future. In several ways, art pushes architects and civil engineers to master
their skills. Introducing CNT will be able to create buildings from imagination
into reality. CNT buildings will allow for thinner support columns, more usable
space, and buildings that seamlessly interact with nature.
Figure 2: Example of a carbon nanotube structure.
[lifeafterpeople.wikia.com]
This structural property allows for CNT to be the material
of choice for another idea from imagination; a space elevator. A space elevator
is a fabled structure that will allow for more efficient access to space. This
elevator would require enough strength in order to prevent from buckling under
its own weight.
Figure 3: Space elevator. [Source: io9.com]
The advancement of carbon nanotube technology will allow for
leaps in several scientific and artistic fields of study.
Works Cited
Bianco, Alberto, Kostas Kostarelo, and Maurizio Prato.
"Applications of Carbon Nanotubes in Drug Delivery." Current Opinion
in Chemical Biology 9.6 (2005): 674-79. Print.
Boysen, Earl. "Carbon Nanotube Applications and
Uses." Understanding Nano. Technical Writing LLC. Web. 24 May 2015.
Endo, Morinobu, Michael Strano, and Pulickel Ajayan.
"Potential Applications of Carbon Nanotubes." Topics in Applied
Physics 111 (2008): 13-62. Springer Link. Springer. Web. 24 May 2015.
Joon Jung, Yung. "Aligned Carbon Nanotube−Polymer
Hybrid Architectures for Diverse Flexible Electronic Applications." Nano
Letters 6.3 (2006): 413-18. ACS Publications. Web. 24 May 2015.
Mack, Eric. "Building a Space Elevator Starts with a
Lunar Elevator by 2020." Gizmag 9 Dec. 2014. Print.
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