Freestanding single-walled carbon nanotube bundle networks: Fabrication, properties and composites

Abstract

As a type of thin film, two dimensional (2D) reticulate architectures built of freestanding single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) bundles are suitable for scalable integration into devices and nanocomposites for many applications. The superior properties of these films, such as optical transparency, unique electrical properties and mechanical flexibility, result not only from the outstanding properties of individual SWCNTs but also from the collective behavior of the individual tubes, with additional properties arising from the tube-tube interactions. In this review, the synthesis, structure and fundamental properties, such as conductivity, transparency, optical nonlinearity and mechanical performance, of "freestanding SWCNT bundle network" thin films and nanocomposites, as well as their application as supercapacitors are highlighted. Some long-standing problems and topics warranting further investigation in the near future are addressed. single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT), SWCNT bundle network, nanocomposites, multifunctional thin film, supercapacitors Citation:Zhou valently bonded carbon network gives rise to an extremely stable structure, arguably the strongest in nature. The axial Young's modulus has been determined experimentally by several means [6 -11] and is typically between 1-1.8 TPa.The fracture stresses of SWCNT bundles can reach as high as 50 GPa [8,12], which corresponds to a density-normalized strength ~50 times larger than that of steel wires [7]. In addition, the properties of SWCNTs are very sensitive to chemical modification or atomic doping -these processes can give rise to brand-new 1D materials that promise remarkable application. To fully utilize the excellent mechanical and physical properties of individual SWCNTs, various types of SWCNT architectures with different dimensions, including 1D nanotubes or bundles, 2D thin films or networks or papers, and 3D arrays or sponges, have been synthesized and investigated worldwide. Unlike an isolated 1D nanotube, a 2D thin film made up of thousands of SWCNTs exhibits collective behavior, which has an advantage of statistically better reproducibility, making it suitable for scalable integration into devices, nanocomposites and for many applications. Its superior properties, such as optical transparency, unique electric properties and mechanical flexibility, result not only from

Functional Nanohybrid Materials from Photosynthetic Reaction Center Proteins

“…The contact points for electric measurements can be done safely, the measurements can be arranged easily, and reasonable signals (magnitude and yield) are obtained [78,95]. Furthermore, thanks to the recent advances in opto-and nanoelectronics, the theory and practical aspects of interactions between functionally active biological materials and carrier surfaces are more and more developed.…”

Preface

“…The topics cover different areas of CNT study, including their preparation, properties, and application [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. The authors have mainly summarized the progress achieved in the respective research groups.…”

“…Well-aligned ultralong SWCNTs ready for building nanodevices have been directly grown on substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) [13]. Free-standing SWCNT networks have been fabricated either directly by CVD or arc discharge as well as by post-growth treatment [12]. A new condensed form of SWCNTs, SWCNT crystals, has been prepared using a series of diamond wire drawing dies [10].…”

“…SWCNTs can generate electricity when water molecules flow inside their channels, and can even harvest the surface energy of ethanol [10]. CNT-based nanocomposites are superior materials for supercapacitors [12]. SWCNT networks can also serve as transparent conductive electrodes and reinforcement materials in composites [12].…”

“…CNT-based nanocomposites are superior materials for supercapacitors [12]. SWCNT networks can also serve as transparent conductive electrodes and reinforcement materials in composites [12]. Recently, new opportunities for CNTs have appeared in the fields of biology and medicine.…”