The End of Silicon and Invisible Missiles
I’ve been tight-lipped for a while, but it’s finally time to show you what the BBC calls a “Miracle Material.” Its actual name is graphene, given by the two scientists who won a Nobel Prize for their discovering it. And it’s going to change the world…
“Graphene doesn’t just have one application,” says Andre Geim, who made the find along with Konstantin Novoselov. “It is not even one material. It is a huge range of materials. A good comparison would be to how plastics are used.”
I’d say plastics is a conservative comparison.
Let me show you what hundreds of researchers, companies, and governments are already doing with the strongest, thinnest, most conductive material ever discovered.
The BBC says: “It could spell the end for silicon and change the future of computers and other devices forever.”
The Daily Mail says: “A graphene credit card could store as much information as today’s computers,” and that “graphene will lead to gadgets that make the iPhone and Kindle seem like toys from the age of steam trains.”
But it won’t just revolutionize electronics…
Graphene is also being used for energy, defense, and medicine applications. Engineers at Northwestern University have a made a graphene electrode that allows lithium-ion batteries to store 10 times as much power and charge 10 times faster.
MIT Engineering Professor Jeffrey Grossman believes solar cells made from graphene could produce 10,000 times more energy from a given amount of carbon than fossil fuels.
And CNBC reports it could expand the current domestic oil boom because “tiny sensors coated with the wonder-material graphene and powered by flowing water could expedite the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves.”
It may sound too good to be true, but I assure you it isn’t.
Take it from co-Nobel recipient Konstantin Novoselov:
I don’t think it has been over-hyped. It has attracted a lot of attention because it is so simple — it is the thinnest possible matter — and yet it has so many unique properties. There are hundreds of properties which are unique or superior to other materials. Because it is only one atom thick it is quite transparent — not many materials that can conduct electricity which are transparent.
‘Armchair quantum wire’ (AQW) is the name for a weave of metallic nanotubes that
can carry electricity with negligible losses, even over long distances. “It will be an ideal
replacement for the nation’s copper-based grid, which leaks electricity at an estimated 5
percent per 100 miles of transmission” said Rice chemist Andrew R. Barron, author of a
paper published online by the American Chemical Society journal Nano Letters.
“A prime technical hurdle in the development of this ‘miracle’ cable,” Barron
continued, “is the manufacture of massive amounts of metallic single-walled carbon
nanotubes, dubbed armchairs for their unique shape. Armchairs are best for carrying
current, but can’t yet be made alone. They grow in batches with other kinds of nanotubes
and have to be separated out, which is a difficult process, given that a human hair is
50,000 times larger than a single nanotube!”
Barron’s lab has demonstrated a way to take small batches of individual nanotubes
and make them dramatically longer. Ideally, long armchair nanotubes could be cut, re-
seeded with catalyst and re-grown indefinitely.
The paper was written by graduate student and first author Alvin Orbaek, undergraduate
student Andrew Owens and Barron, the Charles W. Duncan Jr.-Welch Professor of
Chemistry and a professor of materials science. Amplification of nanotubes was seen
as a key step toward the practical manufacture of AQW by the late Rice professor,
nanotechnology pioneer and Nobel laureate Richard Smalley, who worked closely with
Barron and Rice chemist James Tour, the T.T. and W.F. Chao Chair in Chemistry and
others, to lay out a path for its development.
Barron charged Orbaek with the task of following the concept through when he joined
the lab five years ago. “When I first heard about Rice University, it was because of Rick
Smalley and carbon nanotubes,” said Orbaek, a native of Ireland. “He had a large global
presence with regard to nanotechnology, and that reached me. “So I was delighted to
come here and find I’d be working on nanotube growth that was related to Smalley’s
work.” Orbaek said he hasn’t strayed far from Barron’s original direction, which involved
chemically attaching an iron/cobalt catalyst to the ends of nanotubes and then fine-
tuning the temperature and environment in which amplification could occur.
“My group, with Smalley and Tour’s group, demonstrated you could do this — but in the
first demonstration, we got only one tube to grow out of hundreds or thousands,” Barron
said. Subsequent experiments raised the yield, but tube growth was minimal. In other
attempts, the catalyst would literally eat — or “etch” – the nanotubes, he said.
Refining the process has taken years, but the payoff is clear because up to 90 percent
of the nanotubes in a batch can now be amplified to significant lengths, Barron said.
The latest experiments focused on single-walled carbon nanotubes of various chiralities,
but the researchers feel the results would be as great, and probably even better, with a
batch of pristine armchairs.
The key was finding the right balance of temperatures, pressures, reaction times and
catalyst ratios to promote growth and retard etching, Barron said. While initial growth
took place at 1,000 degrees Celsius, the researchers found the amplification step
required lowering the temperature by 200 degrees, in addition to adjusting the chemistry
to maximize the yield.
“What we’re getting to is that sweet spot where most of the nanotubes grow and none of
them etch,” Barron said. Wade Adams, director of Rice’s Richard E. Smalley Institute
for Nanoscale Science and Technology and principal investigator on the AQW project,
compared the technique to making sourdough bread. “You make a little batch of pure
metallics and then amplify that tremendously to make a large amount. This is an
important increment in developing the science”.
Adams noted eight Rice professors and dozens of their students are working on aspects
of AQW. “We know how to spin nanotubes into fibers, and their properties are improving
rapidly too,” he said. “All this now has to come together in a grand program to turn
quantum wires into a product that will carry vast amounts of electricity around the world.”
Barron and his team are continuing to fine tune their process and hope that by summer’s
end they can begin amplifying armchair nanotubes with the goal of making large
quantities of pure metallics. “We’re always learning more about the mechanisms by
which nanotubes grow,” he said. Orbaek, who sees the end game as the development
of a single furnace to grow nanotubes from scratch, cap them with new catalyst, amplify
them and put out a steady stream of fiber for cables. “What we’ve achieved is the first
baby step,” he said. “But it verifies that, in the big picture, armchair quantum wire is
technically feasible.”
Orbaek said he is thrilled to play a role in achieving amplification, which Smalley
recognized as necessary to his dream of an efficient energy grid that would catalyze
solutions to many of the world’s problems. “I’d love to meet him now to say, ‘Hey, man,
you were right”. The Robert A. Welch Foundation and the Air Force Office of Scientific
Research funded the research. The Air Force Research Laboratory is primary funding
agency for the AQW project.
Nanoshel, A US based Company, has published a new 24-page catalog and technical document which outlines the chemical properties and highlights the main synthetic uses of carbon nanotubes and related nano materials (Oxide Nanoparticles, Metal Nanoparticles).
A major role in modern chemistry is played by Nano materials, from which Carbon Nano Tubes have emerged in a leading position. With the discovery of a wealth of new physics, in particular the Oxide Nano Particles, together with their accessibility and ease of handling, Carbon Nano Tubes and Oxide Nano Particles are now established as intermediates of great value and versatility. Applications abound in synthesis, catalysis, analytical chemistry and biological systems.
Since the commercial introduction of a small range of Carbon Nano Tubes by Nanoshel, more than thirty years have elapsed during which the astonishing growth of interest in this area of nano technology has been paralleled by an enormous increase in the diversity of examples available from commercial sources, including Nanoshel. With a recently expanded range of Carbon Nano Tubes, Oxides and metal nano particles, we can provide outstanding research and industrial applications for these products.
This expanded publication outlines the chemical properties and highlights the main synthetic uses of these versatile molecules. The catalog also includes a listing of the Nanoshel range of Carbon Nano Tubes, Micron Particles, Nano material dispersions, Oxide Nano particles, Metal Nano Particles, Shape memory polymers, Clay Nano Powders, etc.
For soft copy of the catalogue, please mail your complete contact details at info@nanoshel.com.
With the adverse climatic conditions and lifecycle turmoil owing to Global Warming, it has become an essential responsibility of every individual and organization to contribute their bit towards a greener planet.
Accurate measures need to be implemented by each individual to cut down on the risks caused to all living beings on the planet. It is a unanimous social liability to save our habitat and improve environment sustainability for our own self.
At NANOSHEL, we are making consistent efforts to conserve energy in the best possible manner. The Go Green initiative taken today would make a magnitude of difference for coming generations.
We feel proud to be proactive in keeping our work and organisation green.
Being a corporate Nanotechnology Company, we realize our social responsibility and take germane steps towards the same.
Saving Electricity
•The office space is conceptualized in a way that it allows natural light for almost 2/3rd of the day. Thus, we conserve almost 75% energy on electricity everyday.
•We use energy saver lights and ensure that all the lights, computers and other electrical devices when not in use. This not only boosts the energy saving, but also maximizes the efficiency of devices.
•Air Conditioners are used economically and only ‘when required’. The office possesses the best quality AC with updated technology that curbs pollution and helps in saving energy.
•Most of our computers make use of TFTs instead of CRT monitors, which saves on the extra electricity consumed by CRT monitors.
•We prefer using Laptops over PCs to conserve extra energy consumed by computers.
Saving Water
•Every member is given a water bottle instead of glasses, which avoids the need of washing the glasses at frequent intervals daily. This way we make a little contribution to conserve water.
•Tea/Coffee is served in biodegradable disposable plastic cups, which again saves water that would be otherwise required to wash plastic/glass cups.
•We ensure proper disposal of these biodegradable materials that causes no harm to our environment.
Saving Air
•To refrain from Noise and Air pollution, UPSs are used for power backup instead of power generators.
•The cleaners used in the office are non-hazardous and prevent the spreading of air and water pollution.
•Paper is another source that is handled quite carefully. We take extra care in printing the papers and try to use both sides of papers wherever possible.
The print outs are taken only when required and the paper used is generally chlorine-free and recyclable in nature. With these small initiatives, NANOSHEL is contributing its bit towards a Greener Planet. We intend to carry out more such environmental friendly methods in future to make a lager contribution towards Our Mother Nature.
Human genome project has unraveled 24,000 human genes. Human genetic research for single-gene related disease has been redirected to diseases with more complex etiologies like insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis and psychiatric illnesses. Often being of multiple gene origin, these high incidence diseases cause mortality and morbidity in a wide population. The further step in research will be to study the functions of these genes and their proteins and also the interaction between genes and proteins in general. In order to reach the primary target, clinical applicable therapeutics, an extended technology platform is needed comprising at least: A high throughput genotyping facility; to determine the identity of genes involved, facilities, bio-informatics facilities to give access to DNA databanks, protein banks etc; well-equipped laboratories for molecular biology to identify genes and to set up tests for diagnosis; transgenic animal production sites to develop animal models; GMP production facilities to produce DNA-based therapeutics; development of high performance non-toxic pharmaceutical delivery systems for DNA-based therapy; facilities for preclinical tests; and a network of experienced clinical researchers for phase I-III clinical trials.
From the clinical / pharmaceutical perspective the development of DNA-mediated therapy based therapies has just begun. Although 20 years of research has been spent on gene therapy based on viral vector technology, these applications underwent a drawback by the death of first trial patients. A 100% synthetic delivery system is an urgent need for biochemists, cell biologists as well as molecular biologists all over the globe. These labeling devices such as ligands, peptides, antibodies, fluorescent dye, single well carbon nanotube and magnetic beads have to be bound to the delivery system, to be able to study cellular (transport) mechanisms. DNA immunization to discover novel therapeutic antibodies, in vitro and in vivo tansfection studies including pre clinical trials is hottest areas of research. It offers enormous advantages over the traditional protein-based immunization method. DNA is faster, cheaper and easier to produce and can be produced by the same standard technique that is readily amenable to automation. We assure our home made antibodies generated by genetic immunization are usually of superior quality with regard to specificity, affinity and recognizing the native protein. For years, our team has been well known for high-quality, fast turn-around plasmid DNA production services. These include production of individual constructs for researchers as well as large scale manufacturing for biotech suppliers and pharmaceutical companies with complete dedication to long term ultimate success. Our large scale plasmid manufacturing through magnetic beads technology is cost effective and efficient way to achieve the need of large quantities of plasmid DNA at standard research and pre-clinical grades.
Profile Dr Yang
Dr.L.C.Yang is the Chief Executive Officer of Clone-E Therapeutics, Inc. which operates the Gene therapy laboratory, proteins or DNA microarray division and biotech related investments. Moreover, Clone E Therapeutics is a DNA based therapeutic company for ASP lightening cream or KGF solution in renew, revitalize, and repair for acne. Dr Yang, a leading Taiwan-based biotech entrepreneur, is the founder chairman of Clone-E Theraputics Inc, a private Research and Development organization. He holds several non executive director positions in biotech companies based in Europe, USA and India and is also the biotechnology advisor to several government agencies in Asia. Dr Yang has obtained his doctoral degree from Taiwan and was the recipient of postdoctoral research fellowship from University of California at Sandiego, Outstanding resident research award and National science council award. He has over 20 years of experience in the global healthcare and biotech industry. He was acting as chief of anesthesiology from 1999 to 2009. He was trying very hard to hold his daily administrative work and research works together day by day. He does appreciate that my team members provide the strong supports and encouragements when he has neither the resources or the energy to help himself. Importantly, he has published more than 20 gene therapy papers in international articles. Now, he is working as Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Gene Therapy Laboratory, E-DA Hospital, I-SHOU University. He is highly ambitious and do right thing and think right is his strength. Dr. Yang has strong believes in non-viral gene delivery and set up animal models for pain, neurodegenerative disorder, skin disorders, bone disorders, and cancer. He transforms medical research into biotech oriented research. Besides, DNA vaccines for cancer, infectious disease, pain, and morphine addition, gene therapy, and stem cell research needs long term and continuous international cooperative strenuous efforts.
How to establish the international cooperation, it is time consuming and highly costs. Moreover, administrative departments of both sides should provide substantial supports and the executive team must be passionate, persevere, and patient to solve all the cooperative details, projects and tasks. In another word, it’s indeed difficult for any international cooperative projects, therefore, high quality and rapid decision making, integrating, and negotiating capabilities are very significant. Moreover, administrative efforts must have an authentic time because topics, budget, and researchers could be changed rapidly in competitive research fields. In order to establish the international cooperation, we must deliberate upon the sustainability and time-limit. Probably, these extremely small and annoying administrative works could impede outstanding investigators’ efforts that will result in disagreement and misunderstandings of both teams. Therefore, all the team personnel have to overcome the barriers. We believe that we need to continue to pursue novel technology and knowledge that promote strong career growth and quality improvement in research and products.
Together, we can make difference and get there.
Gene Therapy Publication
Tan PH, Yang LC, Shih HC, Lan KC, Cheng JT. Gene knockdown with intrathecal siRNA of NMDA receptor NR2B subunit reduces formalin-induced nociception in the rat. Gene Ther. 2005 Jan;12(1):59-66.
Wu PC, Yang LC, Kuo HK, Huang CC, Tsai CL, Lin PR, Wu PC, Shin SJ, Tai MH.Inhibition of corneal angiogenesis by local application of vasostatin. Mol Vis. 2005 Jan 13;11:28-35
Chuang YC, Yang LC, Chiang PH, Kang HY, Ma WL, Wu PC, DeMiguel F, Chancellor MB, Yoshimura N Gene gun particle encoding preproenkephalin cDNA produces analgesia against capsaicin-induced bladder pain in rats. Urology. 2005 Apr;65(4):804-10.
Chuang IC, Jhao CM, Yang CH, Chang HC, Wang CW, Lu CY, Chang YJ, Lin SH, Huang PL, Yang LC. Intramuscular electroporation with the pro-opiomelanocortin gene in rat adjuvant arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2004;6(1):R7-R14.
Yang CH, Shen SC, Lee JC, Wu PC, Hsueh SF, Lu CY, Meng CT, Hong HS, Yang LC. Seeing the gene therapy: application of gene gun technique to transfect and decolour pigmented rat skin with human agouti signalling protein cDNA. Gene Ther. 2004 Jul;11(13):1033-9.
Lee TH, Yang LC, Chou AK, Wu PC, Lin CR, Wang CH, Chen JT, Tang CS. In vivo electroporation of proopiomelanocortin induces analgesia in a formalin-injection pain model in rats. Pain. 2003 Jul;104(1-2):159-67. Chuang YC, Chou AK, Wu PC, Chiang PH, Yu TJ, Yang LC, Yoshimura N, Chancellor MB. Gene therapy for bladder pain with gene gun particle encoding pro-opiomelanocortin cDNA. J Urol. 2003 Nov;170(5):2044-8. Lin CR, Yang LC, Lee TH, Lee CT, Huang HT, Sun WZ, Cheng JT. Electroporation-mediated pain-killer gene therapy for mononeuropathic rats. Gene Ther. 2002 Sep;9(18):1247-53. Lu CY, Chou AK, Wu CL, Yang CH, Chen JT, Wu PC, Lin SH, Muhammad R, Yang LC. Gene-gun particle with pro-opiomelanocortin cDNA produces analgesia against formalin-induced pain in rats. Gene Ther. 2002 Aug;9(15):1008-14. Lin CR, Tai MH, Cheng JT, Chou AK, Wang JJ, Tan PH, Marsala M, Yang LC. Electroporation for direct spinal gene transfer in rats. Neurosci Lett. 2002 Jan 4;317(1):1-4.
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