Carbon Nanotubes Store 3x More Energy Than Lithium Batteries

New research reveals that twisted carbon nanotubes can store three times more energy per unit mass than lithium-ion batteries, making them an innovative solution for lightweight and safe energy storage. This breakthrough opens doors for applications in medical implants, sensors, and other compact technologies.

The Discovery

A global team of researchers, including scientists from the Center for Advanced Sensor Technology (CAST) at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), published their findings in Nature Nanotechnology.

Key collaborators include:

• Shigenori Utsumi (Suwa University of Science, Japan)
• Katsumi Kaneko (Shinshu University, Japan)
• Sanjeev Kumar Ujjain (CAST, UMBC)
• Preety Ahuja (CAST, UMBC)

Ujjain initiated this research at Shinshu University before continuing his work at UMBC in 2022.

What Makes Carbon Nanotubes Unique?

Carbon nanotubes are tiny “straws” made of pure carbon sheets that are only 1 atom thick. Known for their exceptional properties, they are:

• 100 times stronger than steel
• Lightweight and easy to manufacture
• Capable of storing energy mechanically rather than chemically

The team developed carbon nanotube “ropes” by bundling and twisting commercially available nanotubes into strong, flexible threads coated with specialized substances to enhance their properties.

Energy Storage Capabilities

The results were groundbreaking:

• Twisted carbon nanotubes stored 15,000 times more energy per unit mass than steel springs.
• They stored three times more energy than lithium-ion batteries.
• The energy remained stable across extreme temperatures, from -76°F to 212°F (-60°C to 100°C).

The materials used are also safer for the human body, positioning them as ideal candidates for medical implants and other sensitive applications.

Future Applications

“Humans have long stored energy in mechanical coil springs to power devices like watches and toys,” explains Sanjeev Kumar Ujjain. “This research shows twisted carbon nanotubes have great potential for mechanical energy storage.”

The CAST team is already working to integrate twisted carbon nanotubes into an energy source for a prototype sensor they are developing.

Final Thoughts

The discovery of twisted carbon nanotubes marks a major step forward in energy storage technology. Offering superior energy density, safety, and adaptability, these nanotubes could transform industries—from healthcare to wearable tech and beyond.

As scientists continue to refine this technology, the future of energy storage looks smaller, lighter, and far more powerful.