This significant discovery in nanotechnology could also be the first practical use of a Tesla coil in modern times that goes beyond fun and education. A self-funded research team at Rice University has found that unordered heaps of carbon nanotubes will self-assemble into conductive wires when exposed to the electric field of a strong Tesla coil. The related paper by lead author and graduate student [Lindsey R. Bornhoeft], introduces the phenomenon as “Teslaphoresis”

Nanotubes assemble! Rice introduces ‘Teslaphoresis’ – See more at: http://news.rice.edu/2016/04/14/nanotubes-assemble-rice-introduces-teslaphoresis-2/#sthash.tV2ZYUFM.dpuf