Carbon nanotubes have been studied extensively beginning in the early 1990’s. Their unparalleled properties make them attractive for application in composites, electronic devices, and sensors. However, production of nanotubes remains inefficient and expensive, and the as-produced purity is typically less than desired. Improvements in production yield, catalyst efficiency, purity, and type selectivity will enhance the viability of these materials. We hope to gain a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms by which nanotubes nucleate, grow, and stop growing in order to achieve such improvements by in-situ characterization techniques.

In addition to nanotube synthesis we are researching application areas using carbon nanotubes including field emission and nanostructured battteries.

 

References

Kim SM, et al: Journal of Materials Research 25(10): 1875, 2010

Rao R, et al: Carbon 48(13): 3971, 2010

Drummy LF, et al: Journal of Applied Physics V 107(11): 1, 2010

 

Keywords:

Carbon; Nanotubes; Catalysis; Nanofiber; Composite; Nanocomposites; Nucleation; SWNT; Energy storage; Batteries; Field emission; Synthesis; Compact power;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Regular and Senior applicants