Directly synthesized strong, highly conducting, transparent single-walled carbon nanotube films

We report the direct synthesis of strong, highly conducting, and transparent single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) films. Systematically, tests reveal that the directly synthesized films have superior electrical and mechanical properties compared with the films made from a solution-based filtration process: the electrical conductivity is over 2000 S/cm and the strength can reach 360 MPa. These values are both enhanced by more than 1 order. We attribute these intriguing properties to the good and long interbundle connections. Moreover, by the help of an extrapolated Weibull theory, we verify the feasibility of reducing the interbundle slip by utilizing the long-range intertube friction and estimate the ultimate strength of macroscale SWNTs without binding agent.     

DNA-linker-induced surface assembly of ultra dense parallel single walled carbon nanotube arrays

Ultrathin film preparations of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) allow economical utilization of nanotube properties in electronics applications. Recent advances have enabled production of micrometer scale SWNT transistors and sensors but scaling these devices down to the nanoscale, and improving the coupling of SWNTs to other nanoscale components, may require techniques that can generate a greater degree of nanoscale geometric order than has thus far been achieved. Here, we introduce linker-induced surface assembly, a new technique that uses small structured DNA linkers to assemble solution dispersed nanotubes into parallel arrays on charged surfaces. Parts of our linkers act as spacers to precisely control the internanotube separation distance down to <3 nm and can serve as scaffolds to position components such as proteins between adjacent parallel nanotubes. The resulting arrays can then be stamped onto other substrates. Our results demonstrate a new paradigm for the self-assembly of anisotropic colloidal nanomaterials into ordered structures and provide a potentially simple, low cost, and scalable route for preparation of exquisitely structured parallel SWNT films with applications in high-performance nanoscale switches, sensors, and meta-materials.     

Properties of multilayer transparent conducting oxide films

Multilayered transparent conducting oxide (TCO) film structures have been designed and fabricated to achieve both high conductivity and high transmittance in the visible spectrum. Double-layered TCO structures consisting of Sn-doped CdO and Sn-doped CdIn₂O₄, Cd-rich Cd₂SnO₄, or Ga-doped ZnO are discussed. By optimizing the thickness of the individual layers and the doping levels within those layers, an effective conductivity of 20 600 S/cm and an average transmittance larger than 85% in the 400-700 nm range have been achieved for films epitaxially grown on MgO substrates. Bi-layer films consisting of Sn-doped CdO and Ga-doped ZnO have also been deposited on plastic substrates at room temperature with resistivities of ∼1×10⁻⁴ Ω cm and an average transmittance of 80-85% in the visible range. These properties are attractive for future TCO applications.     

High-performance single-wall carbon nanotube transparent conductive films

A single-wall carbon nanotube(SWCNT) has superior optical,electrical,and mechanical properties due to its unique structure and is therefore expected to be able to form flexible high-performance transparent conductive films(TCFs).However,the optoelectronic performance of these films needs to be improved to meet the requirements of many devices.The electrical resistivity of SWCNTTCFs is mainly determined by the intrinsic resistivity of individual SWCNTs and their junction resistance in networks.We analyze these key factors and focus on the optimization of SWCNTs and their networks,which include the diameter,length,crystallinity and electrical type of the SWCNTs,and the bundle size and interconnects in networks,as well as chemical doping and microgrid design.We conclude that isolated/small-bundle,heavily doped metallic or semiconducting SWCNTs with a large diameter,long length and high crystallinity are necessary to fabricate high-performance SWCNTTCFs.A simple,controllable way to construct macroscopic SWCNT networks with Y-type connections,welded junctions or microgrid design is important in achieving a low resistivity.Finally,some insights into the key challenges in the manufacture and use of SWCNT TCFs and their prospects are presented,hoping to shed light on promoting the practical application of SWCNT TCFs in future flexible and stretchable optoelectronics.     

Durable transparent carbon nanotube films for flexible device components

This paper describes a durable carbon nanotube (CNT) film for flexible devices and its mechanical properties. Films as thin as 10 nm thick have properties approaching those of existing electrodes based on indium tin oxide (ITO) but with significantly improved mechanical properties. In uniaxial tension, strains as high as 25% are required for permanent damage and at lower strains resistance changes are slight and consistent with elastic deformation of the individual CNTs. A simple model confirms that changes in electrical resistance are described by a Poisson's ratio of 0.22. These films are also durable to cyclic loading, and even at peak strains of 10% no significant damage occurs after 250 cycles. The scratch resistance is also high as measured by nanoscratch, and for a 50 μm tip a load of 140 mN is required to cause initial failure. This is more than 5 times higher than is required to cause cracking in ITO. The robustness of the transparent conductive coating leads to significant improvement in device performance. In touch screen devices fabricated using CNT no failure occurs after a million actuations while for devices based on ITO electrodes 400,000 cycles are needed to cause failure.These durable electrodes hold the key to developing robust, large-area, lightweight, optoelectronic devices such as lighting, displays, electronic-paper, and printable solar cells. Such devices could hold the key to producing inexpensive green energy, providing reliable solid-state lighting, and significantly reducing our dependence on paper.     

High conductivity transparent carbon nanotube films deposited from superacid

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were deposited from a chlorosulfonic superacid solution onto PET substrates by a filtration/transfer method. The sheet resistance and transmission (at 550 nm) of the films were 60 Ω/sq and 90.9% respectively, which corresponds to a DC conductivity of 12,825 S cm(-1) and a DC/optical conductivity ratio of 64.1. This is the highest DC conductivity reported for CNT thin films to date, and attributed to both the high quality of the CNT material and the exfoliation/doping by the superacid. This work demonstrates that CNT transparent films have not reached the conductivity limit; continued improvements will enable these films to be used as the transparent electrode for applications in solid state lighting, LCD displays, touch panels, and photovoltaics.     

Synthesis and characterization of nano-scale alumina on single walled carbon nanotube

In this study, nano-scale crystalline alumina was synthesized on single walled carbon nanotube by sol-gel method for using as a sorbent for solid phase extraction of trace metals. The characterization of the synthesized nanocomposite material was performed by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer methods. It was proved that the obtained composite material was mainly nano-scale Al₂O₃, and partly Mg₂Al₂O₄ and Zn₂Al₂O₄ on single walled carbon nanotube. In addition, the specific surface area of the material was determined and found as 165 m²/g. The adsorption capacity of the nanomaterial was also determined for cadmium(II) ions and found as 2.18 mg/g at pH 8.     

Optical anisotropy in single-walled carbon nanotube thin films: implications for transparent and conducting electrodes in organic photovoltaics

Optical anisotropy in single-walled carbon nanotube thin film networks is reported. We obtain the real and imaginary parts of the in-(parallel) and out-of-plane (perpendicular) complex dielectric functions of the single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) thin films by combining transmission measurements at several incidence angles with spectroscopic ellipsometry data on different substrates. In sparse networks, the two components of the real part of the complex dielectric constant (epsilon1 parallel and epsilon1 perpendicular) were found to differ by 1.5 at 2.25 eV photon energy. The resulting angular dependence (from 0 to 70 degrees incidence angles) of transmittance is reflected in the conversion efficiency of organic solar cells utilizing SWNT thin films as the hole conducting electrodes. Our results indicate that, in addition to the transparency and sheet resistance, factors such as the optical anisotropy must be considered for optical devices incorporating SWNT networks.     

Boron-doped transparent conducting nanodiamond films

Boron-doped nanodiamond (ND) films on silica substrates have been obtained by the method of microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MWPECVD). Using special technological regimes ensuring the growth of boron-doped ND films after the deposition of an initial ND nucleation layer with small roughness (<15 nm) and a large number of diamond phase nucleation centers per unit surface area (>10¹⁰ cm⁻²), it is possible to obtain conducting ND films transparent in the UV spectral range. Dependence of the transparency and conductivity of the obtained films on the boron concentration and methane content in the working methane-hydrogen mixture has been studied.     

Etching processes of transparent carbon nanotube thin films using laser technologies

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have potential as a transparent conductive material with good mechanical and electrical properties. However, carbon nanotube thin film deposition and etching processes are very difficult to pattern the electrode. In this study, transparent CNT film with a binder is coated on a PET flexible substrate. The transmittance and sheet resistance of carbon nanotube film are 84% and 1000 Ω/□, respectively. The etching process of carbon nanotube film on flexible substrates was investigated using 355 nm and 1064 nm laser sources. Experimental results show that carbon nanotube film can be ablated using laser technology. With the 355 nm UV laser, the minimum etched line width was 20 μm with a low amount of recast material of the ablated sections. The optimal conditions of laser ablation were determined for carbon nanotube film.     

Electrochemical impedance-based DNA sensor using a modified single walled carbon nanotube electrode

Carbon nanotubes have become promising functional materials for the development of advanced electrochemical biosensors with novel features which could promote electron-transfer with various redox active biomolecules. This paper presents the detection of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium using chemically modified single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) with single stranded DNA (ssDNA) on a polished glassy carbon electrode. Hybridization with the corresponding complementary ssDNA has shown a shift in the impedance studies due to a higher charge transfer in ssDNA. The developed biosensor has revealed an excellent specificity for the appropriate targeted DNA strand. The methodologies to prepare and functionalize the electrode could be adopted in the development of DNA hybridization biosensor.     

Enhanced cellular activation with single walled carbon nanotube bundles presenting antibody stimuli

Efficient immunotherapy can be accomplished by expanding T cells outside the body using single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) bundles presenting antibody stimuli. Owing to the large surface area of these bundles, which can reach 1560 m (2)/g, T cell stimulating antibodies such as anti-CD3, can be presented at high local concentrations inducing potent activation of T cells. We show that anti-CD3 adsorbed onto SWNT bundles stimulate cells more effectively than equivalent concentrations of soluble anti-CD3. Stimulation by antibody adsorbed onto SWNT is significantly higher than other high surface area materials (activated carbon, polystyrene, and C60 nanoparticles), suggesting unique properties of SWNT bundles for stimuli presentation. We demonstrate the surface area tunability of these bundles by chemical treatment and its effect on antibody adsorption and subsequent T cell activation. In addition, the T cell response varied with the concentration of SWNT in a concentration dependent manner. Antibody stimuli adsorbed onto SWNT bundles represent a novel paradigm for efficient activation of lymphocytes, useful for basic science applications and clinical immunotherapy.     

Chemical vapour deposition of single walled carbon nanotubes freely suspended over nanotube supports

Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) suspended above the substrate can be fabricated simply and rapidly by chemical vapour deposition growth over pre-grown multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). SWNTs are suspended either on a randomly organized carbon nanotube network on an unpatterned substrate, or between organized pillars made from vertically aligned nanotube forests on a patterned substrate. All nanotubes are produced during a single growth run using a two step growth technique. This approach enables the fabrication of laterally suspended SWNT networks which are well suited for optical applications.     

High-performance transparent conducting films of long single-walled carbon nanotubes synthesized from toluene alone

Nano Research - Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) transparent conducting films (TCFs) are attracting increasing attention due to their exceptional optoelectronic properties. Toluene is a...     

Preparation and characterization of low- and high-adherent transparent multi-walled carbon nanotube thin films

Thin films of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared by spin coating on borosilicate substrates. The precursor solution was a dispersion of MWNTs in water containing hexadecyl-trimethyl-ammonium-chloride (HDTAC), a cationic surfactant. In order to enhance the adhesion of the films to the substrate, different concentrations of an adhesion promoter were added to the precursor dispersion. Parameters such as the optimum concentration of MWNTs in the networks, temperature of heat treatment, transparency in the visible range, hardness and adherence of the films were investigated. The structural, optical, electrical and mechanical characterization of the thin films is demonstrated in this work.     

Efficient coating of transparent and conductive carbon nanotube thin films on plastic substrates

Optically transparent and electrically conductive single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) thin films were fabricated at room temperature using a dip-coating technique. The film transparency and sheet resistance can be easily tailored by controlling the number of coatings. Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS) was used as an adhesion promoter and, together with surfactant Triton X-100, greatly improved the SWNTs coating. Only five coats were required to obtain a sheet resistance of 2.05?[Formula: see text] and film transparency of 84?%T. The dip-coated film after post-deposition treatment with nitric acid has a sheet resistance as low as 130?[Formula: see text] at 69?%T. This technique is suitable for large-scale SWNT coating at room temperature and can be used on different types of substrates such as glass and plastics. This paper will discuss the role of the adhesion promoter and surfactant in the coating process.     

多壁碳纳米管填充丁苯橡胶复合材料的研究

采用浓硝酸(HNO3)氧化处理后的多壁碳纳米管(MWNTs)与丁苯橡胶(SBR)及其他配合剂在开炼机上进行混炼加工制备MWNTs／橡胶复合材料，并与炭黑补强橡胶体系进行对比，进而研究了MWNTs／橡胶复合材料的物理性能，并初步探讨了该材料微观结构与性能之间的关系。结果表明：随着MWNTs质量百分含量的增加，橡胶复合材料的力学性能也随之增高；MWNTs／橡胶复合材料的抗撕裂强度(25．9kN／m)、硬度(58)、磨耗(0．22mL/1．61km)性能较炭黑／橡胶体系要好。由MWNTs补强的橡胶对开发具有低滚动滞后性和抗疲劳损失的轮胎胎面胶将有很大的实用潜力。