Date:09/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/09/stories/2009010958891100.htm

Kerala - Kochi

‘Immense applications for carbon nanotubes’

S. Anandan

Carbon nanotubes could be made biocompatible for implantable electronics.

Kochi: Carbon nanotubes may not aptly replace silicon in the making of huge Pentium chips, but its potential niche applications in the field of biomedicine, space research and energy conservation would be unparalleled, said scientist Aravind Vijayaraghavan of the Germany-based Institute of Nanotechnology here on Tuesday.

In a tête-À-tête with The Hindu on the sidelines of Cochin Nano 2009, an international conference on frontiers in nanotechnology and science organised by the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat), Mr. Vijayaraghavan said carbon nanotubes were superior to inflexible indium tin dioxide (ITO).

For flexible, transparent electronics, carbon nanotubes would have immense applications in conducting thin films and touch screens. Already, companies in the United States were trying to commercialise the applications. However, the projected application for nanoelectronics would be 20 years hence, said Mr. Vijayaraghavan, who specialises in single nanotube-based nanoelectronics.

On the possible applications of the technology, he said carbon nanotubes could be made biocompatible for implantable electronics. It was ideal for tumultuous environs, like the battlefield. “It can operate on much less power; a single electron transistor is enough. Therefore, from the power consumption point of view, for long duration applications with limited power supply, carbon nanotubes can outperform silicon. Hence its future in sensor technology,” said Mr. Vijayaraghavan, underscoring the fact that a graduation from technology based on Mems (micro-electromechanical systems) to Nems (nano-electromechanical systems) was taking place the world over.

For India

As regards to nanotechnology vis-À-vis India, he said the country should prioritise its research and development in nanotechnology and science and make deft use of the funds available. “There are areas where nanotechnology can benefit the masses and where India has the expertise to excel. The applications in the field of biomedicine (nanomedicine), nanocatalysis (for purification of water) and development of low-energy devices will be of great advantage to the country. More so in the field of medical research, where we must capitalise on our expertise,” he said.

The four-day conference ended on Tuesday.