Cambridge University develops high-conductivity carbon wiring as an alternative to copper

University focusing on carbon-copper hybrids first as commercialisation remains years away

Researchers at Cambridge University have developed electrical wiring from carbon, which could potentially replace copper while improving conductivity.

The researchers claim that the carbon nanotube technology is ten times lighter and up to 30 times stronger than copper wires, and less subject to transmission losses.

Krzysztof Koziol, a researcher in the University's department of materials science and metallurgy, as well as a Royal Society University Research Fellow, admitted that commercial applications were still years away but that the University's aim was "to beat copper".

"I am developing and optimising different spinning routes for carbon-nanotube fibres with unique chemical structure. Two promising methods are via a liquid crystal base and directly from the gas phase from the reactor. These carbon-nanotube fibres have potential as lightweight materials to deliver high electrical conductivity and high current density," says Koziol on the University website.

As a first step, the researchers are developing copper-carbon alloys containing between seven and 40 per cent carbon, which ought to be a superior conductor compared to pure copper.

According to Malcolm Burwell, director of technology at the International Copper Association, pure high-conductive carbon wiring is a long way off. The industry doesn't stay awake at night worrying [about it]" he told Reuters.

The technology, though, will likely be used in applications such as aircraft and satellites, which use so much copper wiring that it can add significantly to the weight of the craft - as much as two tons in a typical passenger aircraft. Lightweight wiring, of course, will cut fuel costs.

In addition to improved conductivity, carbon is also more abundant and not subject to commodity price swings like copper, which is in short supply and whose price has spiked and fallen in price in tandem with major construction projects in the Middle East and China.

Indeed, there is insufficient known reserves of copper in the world to house, plumb and connect everyone in the world to the same standard as Europe and the US.

The improved conductivity of carbon and carbon-copper wiring might also make a Desertec-style system possible in which solar electricity can be generated in North Africa and viably exported as Europe.