Porous carbon nanotube-reinforced metals and ceramics via a double templating approach

A monolithic carbon structure of macroscopic dimensions is obtained by non-catalytic chemical vapour deposition using templating porous alumina and removal of the alumina template. The carbon structure is mechanically stable, flexible and consists of freestanding, parallel aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) merging into a top and bottom carbon layer perpendicular to the tube axes. The nature of the carbonaceous material is further investigated by SEM, TEM, Raman spectroscopy and XRD. In a second templating step, the void space formerly occupied by the alumina is recaptured by metallic and ceramic materials resulting in CNT reinforced composites with well-defined tube interspaces, whereas the interior of the CNTs is still accessible.