Carbon Nanotube Memory May Make Batteries Unnecessary
Katie Cordrey — March 21, 2011 — Eco
References: simmtester & gizmag
A new type of very fast, low-power nanotube memory, developed by researchers led by Professor Eric Pop from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Illinois, may soon be commonplace in personal electronics like smartphones and laptops.
The nanotube memory uses just 1% of the energy required to power current flash memory, meaning a battery charge could last for weeks or months instead of hours or days! The low-power digital memory may even make battery-free electronics possible, since kinetic energy or energy from body heat could be enough to power devices fitted with nanotube memory modules. Not only are the carbon nanotubes used in the memory structures 10,000 times smaller than a human hair, they are incredibly stable and don't break down like metal wires do. On top of all of that, they won't be accidentally erased by a passing scanner or magnet.
The nanotube memory uses just 1% of the energy required to power current flash memory, meaning a battery charge could last for weeks or months instead of hours or days! The low-power digital memory may even make battery-free electronics possible, since kinetic energy or energy from body heat could be enough to power devices fitted with nanotube memory modules. Not only are the carbon nanotubes used in the memory structures 10,000 times smaller than a human hair, they are incredibly stable and don't break down like metal wires do. On top of all of that, they won't be accidentally erased by a passing scanner or magnet.
Trend Themes
1. Low-energy Nanotube Memory - Using just 1% of the energy required for current flash memory, nanotube memory could revolutionize personal electronics and extend battery life.
2. Battery-free Electronics - The low-power digital memory may enable battery-free electronics, powered by kinetic energy or body heat, offering new possibilities for device design.
3. Stable Carbon Nanotubes - The use of incredibly stable carbon nanotubes in memory structures opens up opportunities for long-lasting and robust electronic devices.
Industry Implications
1. Consumer Electronics - The development of low-energy nanotube memory could impact personal electronics, such as smartphones and laptops, by significantly prolonging battery life and enabling new design possibilities.
2. Energy Storage - Battery-free electronics powered by nanotube memory modules could disrupt the energy storage industry by reducing reliance on traditional batteries and opening up alternative power sources.
3. Information Technology - The stability and reliability of carbon nanotube memory could offer disruptive innovation opportunities in the field of information technology, enabling more durable and secure data storage.
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