Xinyu Zhang, assistant professor in Auburn University’s Department of Polymer and Fiber Engineering, has published a paper in the peer-reviewed journal Chemical Communications that discusses a poptube approach to growing carbon nanotubes on a variety of material substrates. The term poptube refers to the use of microwave radiation to grow carbon nanotubes in the same way a microwave oven quickly cooks popcorn.

Not to be confused with much larger carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes are long, thin tubes comprised entirely of carbon atoms that can be measured on the atomic scale. Zhang’s research explores how the poptube method will provide a faster, more economical means of producing carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotube technology is being used to develop advanced tissue engineering, composite materials and cancer therapy. Zhang’s research has also been featured in Nature, the world's most highly cited interdisciplinary science journal, as well as in the American Chemical Society’s weekly publication, Chemical & Engineering News.