Optical visualization and polarized light absorption of the single-wall carbon nanotube to verify intrinsic thermal applications

Abstract

The predicted extraordinary properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from theoretical calculations have great potential for many applications. However, reliable experimental determination of intrinsic properties at the single-tube level is currently a matter of concern, and many challenges remain because of the unhandled and nanoscale size of individual nanotubes. Here, we demonstrated a prototype to detect the intrinsic thermal conductivity of the single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and verify the significant non-resonant optical absorption behavior on tiny nanotubes by integrating the nanotube and ice into a new core-shell design. In particular, a reversible optical visualization method based on the individual suspended ultra-long SWCNT was first developed by wrapping a nanotube with ice in the cryogenic air environment. The light-induced thermal effect on the hybrid core-shell structure was used to melt the ice shell, which subsequently acted as a temperature sensor to verify the intrinsic thermal conductivity of the core-like nanotube. More interestingly, we successfully determined for the first time the thermal response phenomenon of the tiny absorption cross section in SWCNT in the vertical-polarization configuration and the significant non-resonant absorption behavior in the parallel-polarization configuration. These investigations will provide a better understanding for the unique optical behaviors of CNT and enable the detection of intrinsic properties of various one-dimensional nanostructures such as nanotubes, nanowires, and nanoribbons.

Tailoring Blue-Green Double Emissions in Carbon Quantum Dots via Co-Doping Engineering by Competition Mechanism between Chlorine-Related States and Conjugated π-Domains

“…From dedicated structural characterization perspectives, TEM measurement is an effective methodology for structure research in the materials science and materials engineering [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ]. The TEM technique was further utilized to characterize the microstructure and particle size of CQDs.…”

Carbon‐Based Photothermal Actuators

“…CNTs are considered as 1D carbon materials with cylindrical structures that have been widely adopted in photothermal actuators because of their outstanding physical properties, such as good light absorption property in the visible and near‐infrared region, strong mechanical strength (1 TPa), and high thermal conductivity (up to 6000 W m −1 K −1 ) . The outstanding light absorption capability can lead to an intense thermal accumulation, and thus a gain of sufficient heat energy for the subsequent actuation.…”

Photoresponsive Actuators Built from Carbon‐Based Soft Materials

“…As a unique member of the carbon materials family, CNTs with cylindrical structures have emerged as a promising photothermal agent in photoresponsive actuators . CNTs have superior light absorption ability (600–1000 nm), excellent mechanical strength (0.06–4 TPa), high thermal/electronic conductivity (1000–6000 W m −1 K −1 ) and durability. As a result, only a very small amount of CNTs are required to enhance the photon energy conversion capability and mechanical performances of characteristics such as stiffness, strength and stability of CNT‐based soft materials …”