Nanotechnology - Producing Carbon Nanotubes and Nanofibers from Wood and Plant Fiber: This is a new, and expanding area of research based on a new discovery (prov. pat.) that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be produced using wood/plant fiber as the initial carbon source. We have been able to produce CNTs in relatively high yields, using relatively low carbonization temperatures, with a unique oxidative process. Interestingly, the use of other carbon sources such as purified lignin or cellulose does not yield CNT production, and the unique ultrastructural properties of the secondary plant cell wall appear to be critical for the formation of the CNTs.   My students, Mr. Xinfeng Xie and Mr. Yuhui Qian have made significant progress in developing this research over the past year, and we have a unique collaborative arrangement with colleagues at John's Hopkins University to use some of their state of the art equipment for this research. In a related front we are also working on the microbial bioprocessing of wood and plant fiber prior to carbonization to produce carbon nanofibers.

CNTs have many unique and highly valuable properties. They are harder than diamonds, yet are flexible. They conduct heat, but can also be used as insulators. Single walled carbon nanotubes can conduct electricity 1000 times better than copper. So, production of CNTs using a low cost process is significant. But this research is important for a number of other reasons. As just one example, the secrets for production of the famed Damascus steel was lost in the mid 18th Century. But recently swords and daggers made from this steel were examined, and it is believed that the formation of carbon nanotubes was instrumental in the development of the high strength steel. See: http://www.nature.com/news/2006/061113/full/061113-11.html.

Carbon from burning leaves and wood were used in the steel making process leading to the suggestion that the process we are currently exploring in our research might also be related to the way this famed metal was produced.