Separation of atoms with carbon nanotubes

Molecular dynamics are used to study the possibility of separating different species of atom using carbon nanotubes in torsion. The effect of the rate of torsional loading on a carbon nanotube on the separation of helium and carbon atoms encapsulated in the tube is examined and the release of the van der Waals energy for the atom separation is evaluated. The complete separation of atoms using carbon nanotubes would make the tubes candidates for transporting and partitioning atoms and molecules as a strong competitor for conventional membrane filters. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.