Rice University researchers create seamless graphene/nanotube hybrid

A rendition of a seamless graphene/nanotube hybrid created at Rice University.

A seamless graphene/nanotube hybrid created at Rice University may be the best electrode interface material possible for many energy storage and electronics applications, said an official at Rice University.

According to a press release from Rice University, researchers, led by Rice chemist James Tour, "have successfully grown forests of carbon nanotubes that rise quickly from sheets of graphene to astounding lengths of up to 120 microns," according to a paper published Tuesday, Nov. 27 by Nature Communications. "That translates into a massive amount of surface area, the key factor in making things like energy-storing supercapacitors," according to the release.

Rice University, one of America's top-rated teaching and research universities, is located in west Houston. A private college, it enrolls 3,279 undergraduates and 2,277 graduate students. Its address is 6100 Main St., Houston.

For more information, call 713-348-6728 or visit www.rice.edu.