Rice University mix of graphene nanoribbons, polymer has
potential for cars, soda, beer
A discovery at Rice University aims to make vehicles that
run on compressed natural gas more practical. It might also prolong the shelf
life of bottled beer and soda.
The Rice lab of chemist James Tour has enhanced a polymer
material to make it far more impermeable to pressurized gas and far lighter
than the metal in tanks now used to contain the gas.
The combination could be a boon for an auto industry under
pressure to market consumer cars that use cheaper natural gas. It could also
find a market in food and beverage packaging.