The Milleniumtube & fiber (Carbon nanotubes) are among the most amazing objects that have resulted unintentionally, as if by accident, from scientific research, yet they are likely to revolutionize the technological landscape of the century ahead. The face of our society stands to be changed significantly by carbon nanotube applications in every respect, just as silicon-based technology continues to shape society today. The world already dreams of space elevators tethered by the strongest of cables, of hydrogen-powered vehicles, artificial muscles and similar developments – engineering feats that would be made possible by the emerging carbon nanotube technology.

Of course, it is still in its infancy, and we are only looking at possibilities and potential.
Fullerenes may serve as a cautionary example. The discovery of these molecules, closely related to nanotubes, in 1985 was considered so monumental that the researchers responsible were awarded the 1996 Nobel Prize, even though few related applications have actually reached the market yet. The experience with fullerenes has taught us to exercise restraint in making enthusiastic predictions. Nonetheless, in the case of carbon nanotubes, expectations are high. Take electronics, for example: chip miniaturization is about to reach its lowest limits. Are we simply going to accept the fact that our video cameras, computers and cellular phones will no longer decrease in size and increase in memory every six months? Probably not. Striving to go deeper, farther, smaller or higher is a characteristic unique to humankind, one that helps explain how it has come to dominate life on earth. Carbon nanotubes could help us fulfill our expectation of continuously improving our lives through technological progress.

Source: Handbuch der NANOtechnologie 2004