Asian researchers create new method for continuous production of carbon nanotubes

A group of researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have created a new method for producing carbon nanotubes.

The method known as the Continuous Production Method of Carbon Nanotubes using Rotation Reactor is the first ever created in Southeast Asia.

Carbon nanotubes are widely used in the production of end products such as memory chips, rechargeable batteries, tennis rackets, badminton rackets, bicycles, composite to manufacture cars, airplanes and so forth.

The research team leader, Assoc. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed said, a new rotation of the reactor system is designed to enable the continuous production of carbon nanotubes without compromising the quality and authenticity.

"The system is capable of producing up to 1000 grams of carbon nanotubes a day,'' he said.

He added that the developed system is also environmentally friendly as it operates at atmospheric conditions, cost effective and does not require a large space to operate the reactor.

"The method is capable of reducing the price of carbon nanotubes from $100 - $700 to just $15 to $35 for each gram, much lower than world market prices,'' he said.