The nexus of materials, energy, and carbon dioxide—and how new carbon materials can transform it

Achieving a sustainable economy requires a transition in materials. In this lecture, I will explain that small-diameter, single-walled and few-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are the likely solution. These CNTs are essentially conducting (fully conjugated) polymers with very high degrees of chemical and mechanical stability; they can be synthesized from hydrocarbons, with co-production of hydrogen. These CNTs are effectively precursors that can be solution-processed into macroscale CNT materials whose properties overlap industrial metals (copper, aluminum, steel). To displace CO2 -intensive materials at large scale, CNT materials must be made and processed efficiently—much like polymers had to be synthesized and processed inexpensively to replace natural materials and ceramics. The prize for solving this problem? A future where we can make materials sustainably from various carbon sources and use them to decarbonize industry, revitalize our manufacturing, electrify our energy systems, and rebuild our infrastructures.