According to the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL), a carbon nanotube sponge developed with help from ORNL researchers holds potential as an aid for oil spill cleanup. Simulations at ORNL explained how the addition of boron atoms encouraged the formation of "elbow" junctions (seen in photo above, image "d") that help the nanotubes grow into large spongelike clumps (seen in a-c). The material is extremely efficient at absorbing oil in contaminated seawater because it attracts oil and repels water.
What new development from researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory could help clean up oil spills?
What new development from researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory could help clean up oil spills?
Answer: a nanotube 'sponge'
According to the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL), a carbon nanotube sponge developed with help from ORNL researchers holds potential as an aid for oil spill cleanup. Simulations at ORNL explained how the addition of boron atoms encouraged the formation of "elbow" junctions (seen in photo above, image "d") that help the nanotubes grow into large spongelike clumps (seen in a-c). The material is extremely efficient at absorbing oil in contaminated seawater because it attracts oil and repels water.
According to the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL), a carbon nanotube sponge developed with help from ORNL researchers holds potential as an aid for oil spill cleanup. Simulations at ORNL explained how the addition of boron atoms encouraged the formation of "elbow" junctions (seen in photo above, image "d") that help the nanotubes grow into large spongelike clumps (seen in a-c). The material is extremely efficient at absorbing oil in contaminated seawater because it attracts oil and repels water.
