Carbon nanotube wiring gets closer to competing with copper

A new Science study found that chemically doping carbon nanotube bundles can push their current-carrying capacity close to copper levels.

The boost came from electron-donating dopants, but the enhanced conductivity was not stable over time.

The result is a promising step toward carbon nanotube wiring as a lightweight alternative to copper.

Researchers say stable, scalable nanotube conductors could matter for electronics and power systems.