Nanotube Sponge Absorbs Spilled Oil

摘要

Researchers at Rice University and Penn State University say they have developed a reusable sponge made of pure carbon nanotubes that is capable of absorbing more than 100 times its weight in oil. They believe the high-tech sponge will be a useful tool for cleaning up offshore oil spills. The sponges float well and have a strong affinity for oil, said lead author and Rice graduate student Daniel Hashim. They can be reused many times, he added, with one sample retaining its elasticity even after 10,000 compressions in the lab.