Twisted carbon nanotubes can store three times more energy per unit mass than advanced lithium-ion batteries, according to a study (pdf) by researchers at the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology (CAST) published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. The study highlights the potential of carbon nanotubes for energy storage in lightweight, compact, and safe devices such as medical implants and sensors.

How does it work? The researchers manufactured carbon nanotube ropes from bundles of commercially available nanotubes. These ropes, when twisted and coated with various substances, demonstrated the ability to store 15k times more energy per unit mass than steel springs and three times more energy than lithium-ion batteries. The stored energy remained consistent across a wide temperature range, making the nanotubes a versatile and safer alternative to traditional batteries.

Why is this important? Despite the heavy reliance on lithium in clean energy tech, extraction methods have severalenvironmental drawbacks including fresh water consumption, soil and water contamination, energy consumption, and waste generation.

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