The ERATO project grou around Prof. Kenichiro ITAMI succeeded in synthesizing carbon nano belt” in 11 steps using inexpensive components such as p-xylene as raw material. The tubular carbon molecule “carbon nano belt” was proposed about 60 years ago but has not been synthesized so far. Applications to nanocarbon science such as carbon nanotube synthesis with single structure is expected. The carbon nanobelt emits red fluorescence, which may be used on various electronic devices such as luminescent materials and semiconductor materials. Furthermore, if a single-structured carbon nanotube can be obtained by a carbon nanobelt-based fabrication method, a very wide range of applications such as a light and bendable displays, super-integrated CPUs with low power consumption, efficient batteries and solar cells.”
JST news release, April 14, 2017