California Institute of Technology

Abha Misra

Chiara Daraio

Jordan R Raney

A foam structure with nominally aligned arrays of carbon nanotube is described. The foam structure also includes a functionalization substance associated or attached to carbon nanotube surfaces.

Foam structure with nominally-aligned arrays of carbon nanotubes

A method for making a multilayer foam structure of nominally-aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is disclosed. The method comprises synthesizing a layer of CNTs and sandwiching the layer of CNTs between two polymeric layers, or between two metallic layers or foils.

Multilayer foam structures of nominally-aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTS)

A method for controlling the microstructural arrangement of nominally-aligned arrays of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and a foam structure of CNTs are disclosed. The method includes a functionalization of CNT surfaces, for example, a non-covalent functionalization. The non-covalent functionalization of CNT surfaces can be obtained by way of a wetting process, for example by the use of a solution of surfactant or silica (SiO) nanoparticles to wet the CNTs. In particular, the CNT array is first detached from the growth substrate and then a functionalization substance (surfactant or SiO) is added to the CNT array. The functionalization substance can be dissolved in a volatile solvent, such that CNT arrays densify after the solvent evaporates. A method for synthesizing nominally-aligned arrays of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is further disclosed, wherein the synthesizing method is combined with the wetting process.

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Bengaluru, India

Abha Misra