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Nanotechnology Improves Radio, Cell Phone Reception
on March 11, 2009
Three associate professors from the University of Cincinnati created antennas for cell phones, wireless webcams and radios with carbon nanotube threads, the university reports.
David Mast, Mark Schulz and Vesselin Shanov used the carbon nanotube threads instead of standard copper wire that is typically used with these devices. The threads weigh much less than copper because the atoms stay on the surface of the hollow carbon nanotubes, Shanov said. They could replace copper conductors and antennas in aircraft, among other things.
Mast made a cell phone antenna using carbon nanotube thread and tape, which gave him four or five bars of service when he placed it in his phone. Now he uses his homemade antenna to get better service instead of buying a new cell phone, he said.
"It works so well now that I decided to just upgrade to a new antenna made of carbon nanotube yarn," Mast said.
He was also able to transmit radio signals with an antenna that he made from the threads, double-sided transparent tape and silver paste, he said. He used the thread to enable video streaming over wireless webcams as well.
The researchers plan to keep improving the carbon nanotube thread and finding industries to commercialize it.
For the complete press release, visit the University of Cincinnati.
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