Singapore company BlueRen has developed an environmentally friendly way of converting plastic waste into carbon nanotubes – tiny cylinders of carbon atoms. Carbon nanotubes have many uses as they are light, strong and can conduct electricity. The new method is based on a process called “direct electron doping” which involves using the same chemical reaction that makes hydrogen peroxide to produce carbon-nanotube fuel. They are widely used in batteries and electronics and can also be used as additives to enhance the strength of concrete. Up until now, most processes of recycling plastic into nanotubes have been costly and have produced toxic gasses. BlueRen's method gives a 10 per cent yield - every 10,000 tonnes of plastic waste can be converted to 1,000 tonnes of carbon nanotubes. He is a PhD student there. The patent for the technology is currently pending.
Singapore company BlueRen has developed an environmentally friendly way of converting plastic waste into carbon nanotubes – tiny cylinders of carbon atoms. Carbon nanotubes have many uses as they are light, strong and can conduct electricity. The new method is based on a process called “direct electron doping” which involves using the same chemical reaction that makes hydrogen peroxide to produce carbon-nanotube fuel. They are widely used in batteries and electronics and can also be used as additives to enhance the strength of concrete. Up until now, most processes of recycling plastic into nanotubes have been costly and have produced toxic gasses. BlueRen's method gives a 10 per cent yield - every 10,000 tonnes of plastic waste can be converted to 1,000 tonnes of carbon nanotubes. The patent for the technology is currently pending.