Nanotubes packed with gold let out electrons when hit by radiation

In summary, the tests of layered tiles of carbon nanotubes packed with gold and surrounded by lithium hydride are under way. The radioactive particles that slam into the gold push out a shower of high-energy electrons. They pass through carbon nanotubes and pass into the lithium hydride from where they move into electrodes, allowing current to flow.
  • #1
tony two takes
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Tests of layered tiles of carbon nanotubes packed with gold and surrounded by lithium hydride are under way. Radioactive particles that slam into the gold push out a shower of high-energy electrons. They pass through carbon nanotubes and pass into the lithium hydride from where they move into electrodes, allowing current to flow. "You load the material with nuclear energy and unload an electric current," says Popa-Simil.(2008) online http://nextbigfuture.com/2008/03/direct-conversion-of-radiation-into.html

Would the radiation decay the gold as expected and leave a radioactive mush or act allow charged electrons out whilst whilst not being damaged by the electro magnetic radiation? the nano tube s are self repairnig etc 'compensate the radiation damage and improve the lifetime'
 
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  • #2
"Radioactive particles that slam into the gold" - this is just wrong. Radioactive particles are particles that decay. What they mean there are the stable decay products of radioactive particles.
The given power density values are inconsistent.

I found the source article here, but the original presentation seems to be offline. It is unclear which type of radiation at which energy they used. This will influence if nuclear reactions happen, and how frequent they are. If the energy is low enough, there is no activation at all.

Estimating to get 85% efficiency (relative to the Carnot limit) with a device that can just get 40% is ... optimistic.
 
  • #3
I ignored the other post just read it and the proposed system Johnson Thermoelectro mechanical Energy Conversion System might currently be too inefficient but it seems t e a good idea essentially using the attraction to push the molecules along via pressure etc yet but without allowing the reconnection
Do you feel the electric current created from the radioactive material decay after passing through the nano tubes and gold would affect the gold in the end e.g. store system being replaced new radioactive material etc
 

What are nanotubes packed with gold?

Nanotubes, or carbon nanotubes, are cylindrical structures made up of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. They are extremely small, with diameters on the nanometer scale, and have unique properties such as high strength and electrical conductivity. When these nanotubes are filled with gold nanoparticles, they are referred to as "nanotubes packed with gold."

How do nanotubes packed with gold let out electrons?

When nanotubes packed with gold are hit by radiation, the gold nanoparticles inside the nanotubes absorb the energy and release electrons. These electrons are then able to flow through the nanotubes, creating an electric current.

What is the significance of this electron release?

The release of electrons from nanotubes packed with gold when exposed to radiation has potential applications in various fields, such as energy conversion and detection of radiation. It also provides insight into the behavior of materials at the nanoscale.

How do scientists study this phenomenon?

Scientists study the electron release from nanotubes packed with gold using various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and spectroscopy. These techniques allow them to observe and measure the behavior and properties of the nanotubes and gold nanoparticles.

What are the potential implications of this discovery?

The discovery of nanotubes packed with gold releasing electrons when hit by radiation could lead to advancements in fields such as solar energy, medical imaging, and environmental monitoring. It could also pave the way for the development of new technologies and materials with improved properties.

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