Carbon nanotube (CNT) antennas have the power to transform communications technology in everything from satellites to wearable electronics. When considering antenna design, lightweight carbon nanomaterials offer a more durable alternative to copper in radio frequency (RF) applications.
The market is flourishing. Analysts anticipate a CAGR of 16.5% in the global super high frequency communication market. Between 2023 to 2030 it will reach USD 7.13 billion by 2030. Telecommunications, including 5G radio antennas, radar transmitters, satellite communications, microwave radio relay links, and wireless LANs, is driving that growth.
However, the CNT antenna appeal extends far beyond telecom. High-frequency applications are also useful in sectors such as sports science and consumer appliances. The common thread? The search for a lightweight, flexible antenna able to withstand a host of harsh mechanical and environmental conditions.
From flexibility and corrosion resistance to conductivity, recent studies suggest that CNT textile antennas just might fit the bill.
A carbon nanotube solution for wireless communications
Studies have found that CNT fibers boast quite the roster of desirable traits in a conductive material. Everything from high electrical conductivity, high thermal stability, high corrosion resistance, strong mechanical traits, alongside low density to boot.
Earlier studies suggested that CNT devices have a high 'input impedance.' Their findings had implications for both electrical efficiency and interference at the line and the source.
However, more recent studies have found that how CNT threads are made makes all the difference in lowering impedance.
Researchers took a closer look at the performance of CNT thread antennas and CNT thin film patch antennas. Through a series of experiments, researchers evaluated whether carbon nanomaterials in fabric antenna applications offered a viable alternative to copper antennas.
Carbon nanomaterials match copper wire’s performance at high frequencies... with 5% the weight
Carbon nanotube fibers, yarns, and films have long offered desirable properties for wireless communications. Until recently, however, their radiation efficiency (how well an antenna transmits and receives radio frequency (RF) signals) was unknown.
To gain this key piece of performance data, researchers first fabricated wet-spun CNT fibers. They then twisted them together to create thread and cut the thread into segments to achieve 1 GHz and 2.4 GHz frequencies. For comparison, they also made copper antennas from the same lengths of copper wire.
Image Source: High efficiency carbon nanotube thread antennas.
Based on experiments with the CNT and copper antennas, researchers walked away with several interesting findings:
- Radiation efficiency increased as the size of the cross-sectional area of the CNT thread increased.
- The radiation efficiency of the 2.4GHz CNT thread was the same as that of 30 American Wire Gauge (AWG) copper wire. This was a surprising finding given that the conductivity of CNT thread is lower than that of copper.
- At higher frequencies, the gap between the radiation efficiency of copper and the CNT thread shrunk. The CNT thread “matched the absolute performance of an equivalent copper wire antenna at 2.4 GHz at only 5% of the weight.”
- As frequency increased, so, too, did CNT thread radiation efficiency. The CNT threads performed even better at 2.4 GHz than it did at 1 GHz.
If this pattern holds true in the 35-50 GHz frequency range, carbon nanomaterials could transform 5G antennas, as well as other telecom industry equipment. High frequency applications where weight is a key concern, such as in aerospace and wearable electronics, would benefit.
- CNT antennas offer a lighter weight, yet equivalent performing alternative to copper. CNT thread antennas made of “moderately conductive CNT fibers” achieved the same radiation efficiency of the copper control antennas, “while saving an order of magnitude in antenna weight.”
- When considering weight savings versus radiation efficiency, CNT thread antennas were highly efficient. Roughly 20 times more efficient than copper wire.
Galvorn offers a super lightweight alternative to copper antennas
We have a growing demand for wireless communications and a dwindling supply of copper. We can replace copper wire antennas with CNT thread antennas in high frequency applications—and benefit from significant weight savings.
Galvorn excels in applications that demand the Goldilocks combination of mechanical strength, high flexibility, and light weight. As a carbon-based material, we can produce Galvorn abundantly, reducing our reliance on copper.
Whether your primary objective is performance or supply resilience, Galvorn has the potential to revolutionize high-frequency applications in aircraft, satellites, wearables, and more.