MIT Produces Electricity Using Thermopower Waves 157
MikeChino writes "MIT scientists have discovered a never-before-known phenomenon wherein carbon nanotubes can be used to harness energy from 'thermopower waves.' To do this they coated the nanotubes with a reactive fuel and then lit one end, causing a fast-moving thermal wave to speed down the length of the tube. The heat from the fuel rises to a temperature of 3,000 kelvins, and can speed along the tube 10,000 times faster than the normal spread of this chemical reaction. The heat also pushes electrons down the tube, which creates a substantial electrical current. The system can output energy (in proportion to its weight) about 100x greater than an equivalent weight lithium-ion battery, and according to MIT the discovery 'opens up a new area of energy research, which is rare.'"
So basically they cut out the middleman (Score:5, Funny)
Instead of having a Lion battery that explodes we now have a deliberately exploding battery.
Re:So basically they cut out the middleman (Score:3, Funny)
Robot charged with battery!
Film at 11.
Re:Link to the Nature Materials article (Score:5, Funny)
Yeah, I doubt that I'm gonna be able to bring a laptop on a plane with RDX in its battery...
Re:That's some hot stuff... (Score:1, Funny)
"Steel (commonly used for the valves in the combustion chamber) loses about 50% of its strength at only 800*K"
Lalalalala! I can't hear you! Lalalalala!
Now if you'll excuse me I've got to get back to spreading the truth about 9/11.
Re:Fricken Lasers (Score:3, Funny)
Not to worry. That's what the sharks with lasers are for.
Re:That's some hot stuff... (Score:3, Funny)
I agree--but I am *really* looking forward to my flaming electric car. Better start trying to snag the GHST RDR plate now....
Re:Fricken Lasers (Score:1, Funny)
Re:That's some hot stuff... (Score:4, Funny)
Re:So basically they cut out the middleman (Score:4, Funny)
Bah. My Lion battery still eats your puny Zebra batteries for dinner!