The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 29, 2016
Filed:
Apr. 23, 2013
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA (US);
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, Pasadena, CA (US);
Abstract
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.