CVD growth, characterization and applications of carbon nanostructured materials

Individual carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have exceptional mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. However, transferring these extraordinary qualities into CNT assemblages, without degrading performance, remains a challenge. At the UC Nanoworld Laboratories, we are successfully working to complete the cycle of synthesis, processing and application of carbon nanostructured materials. This approach allows for tuning of the CNT products at different processing stages in order to meet specific application objectives. Results in catalytic synthesis of centimeter long CNT arrays by CVD and related kinetics data will be presented, along with their characterization. Nanotechnology innovations under development in our Nanoworld laboratories include: big area synthesis of arrays and processing this highly aligned and pure CNT material into light, strong and electrically conductive threads and sheets. CNT thread with electrical resistivity of about 10− 6 Ω ∗ m has been produced. In addition, optical and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) shielding, shielding properties of CNT sheets will be reported. These CNT materials have been fully characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), which revealed the outstanding alignment of the nanotubes. Raman Spectroscopy and Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) confirmed the high purity of the CNT threads and sheets. The reported properties open opportunities for novel applications of the CNT assemblages such as power distribution, sensors, transparent conductive electrodes, EMI shielding, nano-composites, biomedical devices, etc.