Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have devised a simple and inexpensive way to manufacture very fine filters from carbon nanotubes.
Carbon nanotubes are rolled-up sheets of carbon atoms that can be narrower than 1 nanometer, which is about the span of 10 hydrogen atoms.
The researchers showed that the filters could be used to separate heavy hydrocarbons from petroleum and bacteria and viruses from water.
You just knew those nonotubes were useful for something. It’s true- nontubes would make wonderful filters. Imagine being able to force dirty, disease-laden water through one and coming out with pure, sparkling water. Keep in mind that even that level of filtration won’t affect salt water. Reverse osmosis is about the only filtering that can do that.
However, being able to filter out viruses is good enough. Anything that can be used to provide drinkable water is a big plus!