A novel approach to align carbon nanotubes via water-assisted shear stretching

Floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) can produce buckypaper, a kind of CNT film, at large-scale with low cost. However, individual CNTs in the buckypaper are mostly randomly oriented, which significantly limits their electrical and mechanical properties. Here we report an innovative approach, water-assisted shear stretching (WASS), which can significantly improve CNT alignments and consequently enhance the electrical and mechanical properties. In addition, we define a unique “alignment factor” to quantify the alignment degree, and to estimate the effect of alignment on the mechanical and electrical properties of CNT assemblies. The high mechanical strength and excellent electrical conductivity of the WASS-processed buckypaper enhance their potential for applications in new electronic technologies and high-strength lightweight aerospace structures.