Chemical vapor deposition of carbon nanotube layers on aluminum foil

A novel technique has been demonstrated for direct chemical vapor deposition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on aluminum foil. It has been shown that the foil surface acquires catalytic properties after being held in an aqueous nickel nitrate solution for a certain time. CNTs were deposited by the catalytic pyrolysis of ethanol vapor. The hybrid materials thus prepared have the form of aluminum foil coated with “carbon wool” from CNTs on both sides. The layers have good adhesion to the aluminum substrate, which allows it to be deformed without causing the CNT layer to peel off. Such material is potentially attractive, in particular, for the fabrication of supercapacitors.