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

Microwave reaction

Source: © Stuart Licht/The George Washington University

Carbonate electrolysis seems to incorporate transition metals into carbon nanotubes, which sees them absorb microwave energy more efficiently

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.