Carbon nanotubes made from waste carbon dioxide produce surprising plasma when microwaved

Carbon nanotubes derived from waste carbon dioxide form an unexpected yellow-white plasma when microwaved, new research shows. Stuart Licht and colleagues from George Washington University in the US discovered that the microwave-driven plasma purifies the nanotubes – by oxidising impurities including metals, electrolytes and amorphous carbon – and is more effective than conventional purification methods, under much less demanding conditions.