Continuous flow chemical vapour deposition of carbon nanotube sea urchins. Issue 16 (17th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de La Verpilliere, Jean; Jessl, Sarah; Saeed, Khuzaimah; Ducati, Caterina; De Volder, Michael; Boies, Adam
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 10:Issue 16(2018)
• Page Start: 7780
• Page End: 7791
• Publication Date: 2018-04-17
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c7nr09534a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Hybrid metal oxides enhanced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be continuously produced as powder or films with potential for a variety of applications in sensing, biotechnology and energy storage. Abstract : Hybrid structures consisting of functional materials enhanced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have potential for a variety of high impact applications, as shown by the impressive progress in sensing and mechanical applications enabled by CNT-enhanced materials. The hierarchical organisation of CNTs with other materials is key to the design of macroscale devices benefiting from the unique properties of individual CNTs, provided CNT density, morphology and binding with other materials are optimized. In this paper, we provide an analysis of a continuous aerosol process to create a hybrid hierarchical sea urchin structure with CNTs organized around a functional metal oxide core. We propose a new mechanism for the growth of these carbon nanotube sea urchins (CNTSU) and give new insight into their chemical composition. To corroborate the new mechanism, we examine the influence of CNT growth conditions on CNTSU morphology and demonstrate a new in-line characterisation technique to continuously monitor aerosol CNT growth during synthesis, which enables industrial-scale production optimization. Based upon the new formation mechanism we describe the first substrate-based chemical vapour deposition growth of CNTSUs which increases CNT length and improves G to D ratio, which also allows for the formation of CNTSU carpets with unique structures.