Characterization of metal nanoparticles for optimization of process parameters to support synthesis of well-defined carbon nanotubes
EMSL Project ID
21490
Abstract
The performance of carbon nanotube (CNT) based technologies strongly depends upon the physical properties of the CNTs used. The physical properties of CNTs, including electronic, mechanical, and thermal—determined by the diameter, length, and chirality of the individual CNTs—are strongly dependent on the structure of the catalyst from which the CNTs are grown. In an effort to develop new and promising methods to produce single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with controlled diameter, length, and chirality we seek to achieve stringent control of the formation and reaction environment of metal catalyst nanoparticles for CNT growth. Control of CNT properties is expected to enable new and enhance existing carbon nanotube applications in many fields including electronics and sensing. Modeling of the metal particle nucleation and characterization of nanoparticles to be used for CNT growth are essential for understanding and optimizing the synthesis process. The unique nanomaterial characterization capabilities of EMSL are required to evaluate tailored methods for metal nanoparticle production and optimal parameters for CNT property control from produced nanoparticles.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2006-08-08
End Date
2007-10-01
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members
Related Publications
Abstract accepted for Poster at International Aerosol Conference (Helsinki, Aug 29 - Sep 4, 2010)