Functionalization and Metalization of Carbon Nanotube Mats

ORAL

Abstract

An intriguing mechanical material would be an aluminum / carbon nanotube composite. It could combine the ultra high strength of carbon nanotubes with the ductility and manufacturability of aluminum. We are studying the formation of this metal matrix composite by electroplating aluminum on preformed carbon nanotube structures. In order to induce aluminum growth on the nanotubes, chemical modification of the nanotube surface is required. Surface chemical functionalization was performed by suspension and immersion in a succinic acid bath for the loose nanotubes and nanotube mats respectively. The active surfaces consisting of carboxyl groups should form a stable chemical bonds with the aluminum. Characterization of the chemically functionalized buckypaper by water contact angle and x-ray photo electron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements will be presented. Initial metallization studies will also be presented.

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Authors

  • Jacob Fluckiger

  • Dustin Lloyd

  • Lei Pei

  • Stanley C. Solomon

    University of California and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Rutgers University, Utah State University, Brigham Young University, University of Utah, NASA, Duke University, FMA Research, Colorado State University, Dartmouth University, Idaho State University, Physics Department, Idaho State University, Physics Department, Utah State University, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, China, University of California at Riverside, Physics Department, Colorado School of Mines, Physics Department, University of Utah, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, USU, Society of Physics Students, Arizona State University, Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan, LANSCE-LC, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, University of Amsterdam, Chemistry and Physics Dept., Virginia State University, University of Saskatchewan, Canada, Chalk River Laboratories, Physics Dept, Oxford University, Physics Dept, Utah State University, Sandia National Laboratories, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, DOE Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, Sandia National Laboratories, National Center for Atmospheric Research