Superconductors: production uses DNA

Using the DNA to make superconductors it will be the scenario of the future. These are materials that can pass electrical discharges without resisting and really essential for the next technologies. Edward H. Egelman and Leticia Beltran are the two researchers who propose to use DNA strands.

These make it possible to remove the impurities from the carbon nanotubes and improve the conductivity of the graphene filaments. Superconductors are the most studied in many industries because they have no electrical resistance. This allows the electrons to flow unimpeded. Superconductors waste no energy and produce no heat.

Materials of this type are theoretically i carbon nanotubes (some graphene sheets). But making carbon nanotubes (made only of carbon atoms) without impurities seems impossible. Here, scientists have discovered that short strands of DNA are successful. In fact, the DNA filaments act as the direction of work during the position of the atoms, avoiding “garbage” atoms.

A method that could lead to the production of superconducting nanotubes. This technique would allow the use of the superconductor at room temperature and the creation of superfast computers. It could also reduce the size of electronic devices. Finally, run high-speed trains on magnets with lower energy consumption.

The answer was found by Edward H. Egelman and his team from UVA’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. The answer is in the DNA. They started from a construction of single molecules. The result is a schedule unique from carbon nanotubes assembled for the superconductor’s need at room temperature.

A contribution to the success of the result is largely due to: cryoelectronic microscopy (cryo-EM). A technique capable of determining the atomic structures of protein compositions. The team of scientists says this nanotube lattice could also have applications in physics. All this leads to a more sci-fi future.