Polymer-Free Carbon Nanotube Assemblies

University of Texas at Dallas
posted on 07/07/2011

• request more info 
•   
•  LICENSE ONLINE

This invention is a novel method for processing nanotube powders into polymer-free structures that have superior electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties to those of existing polymer inclusive structures. Flocculation fiber spinning of carbon nanotubes from aqueous dispersions with the aide of polymer-free flocculating agents produces structures such as fibers, ribbons, ropes, yarns and films of carbon nanotubes. As a result, the properties of fibers are determined by carbon nanotubes only; they are not affected by the presence of a polymeric binder.

Overcoming limitations on low electrical and thermal conductivity, poor bio-compatibility, and low thermal stability of polymer-based fibers, this process creates new applications in electronic textiles, actuators, supercapacitors, electrodes for batteries, friction materials, devices for electrical energy harvesting, high-temperature heaters, heat exchangers, nanotube-enhanced sensors, and nanotube-reinforced composites.

Background:

A carbon nanotube is a cylindrical carbon nanostructure capable of a length-to-diameter ratio of up to 28 million to one.  Because of its uniform bond structure, it possesses a theoretical specific strength three hundred times greater than high-carbon steel.  In addition, the symmetric structure of a nanotube allows a current density one thousand times greater than copper.

A critical problem hindering current applications is that no technologies have been developed so far that successfully convert powders of nanotubes into fibers, sheets, or other shaped articles while effectively utilizing the mechanical, electrical and electrochemical properties of the individual nanotubes.

Potential Benefits:

·         Superior Process - creates polymer-free carbon nanotube structures that are functionally superior to present polymer-based fibers

·         Breakthrough Technology - Allows vast new applications to utilize unique mechanical, electrical, and thermal attributes of carbon nanotubes

·         Versatile -  Can create fibers, ribbons, films, and sheets among other structures

Potential Applications:

IP Status:

US patent no. 7,938,996 filed "Polymer-free carbon nanotube assemblies (fibers, ropes, ribbons, films)"

Issued May 10, 2011

Inventors:

Ray H. Baughman, Robert A. Welch Professor of Chemistry and Director of NanoTech Institute

Ryan C. Capps, Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas

Von H. Ebron, NanoTech Institute, The University of Texas at Dallas

John P. Ferraris, Professory of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas and NanoTech Institute

Mikhail E. Kozlov, NanoTech Institute, The University of Texas at Dallas

ID Number: MP 04-020

Contact: Becky Stoughton, email: rebecca.stoughton@utdallas.edu, phone: 972-883-4574