Russian and Chinese researchers have developed a method for converting worn tires and other rubber products into carbon nanotubes and hydrogen using an inexpensive and simple catalyst based on cobalt and magnesium. This was reported by the press service of the MIPT Center for Scientific Communications.
From a pile of used tires, we get nanotubes that can be used in other areas. If you choose the right synthesis parameters, you can create tubes with the same properties and, thanks to this, use them, for example, for next-generation electronics.
According to scientists, more than 1.2 billion worn tires are thrown into landfills every year. These wastes practically do not decompose due to the peculiarities of the structure and chemical composition of vulcanized rubber, which makes their disposal difficult. Usually, discarded tires are crushed and used as filler for various coatings or burned in power plant furnaces, as well as in enterprises producing cement and paper.
Earlier www1.ru reported that a new backpack-type elevator was developed by the Serpukhov Elevator Plant.