About This Project

We hypothesize that the addition of a new environment controlled, purpose-built synthesis and experiment chamber will enhance the synthesis of carbon nanotube technology and lead us to make new discoveries about growing vertically aligned arrays of CNTs. Until now, we've used an old vacuum chamber that we modified, but it's thermal behavior is limiting the experiments. We'll share the test data of the chamber, namely the vacuum level and temperature stability achieved.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

A carbon nanotube (CNT) is a nano-size cylinder of carbon atoms. CNTs exhibit fantastic tensile strength, thermal, and electrical properties. Imagine ultra-light planes & cars, carbon-based electronics, and super capacitor batteries.

We believe that by harnessing CNT technology, we can enable the development of revolutionary new fiber that will replace metals, high-strength polymers and carbon fiber for structural applications. CNT-based electronics will replace semiconductor-based electronics and sensors. Ultimately, we'll usher in a carbon revolution.

Without an environmentally controlled chamber to enhance the synthesis of carbon nanotube technology and optimize the growth of vertically aligned arrays of CNTs, we will not be able to develop this new fiber.

What is the significance of this project?

If our hypothesis is proven true, the experiments carried out with the new chamber that has better vacuum and temperature control, will yield carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with superior properties. These properties include greater length and tensile strength, more pristine molecular structure, purity (no contaminants) and greater thermal and electrical conductivity. The ramifications of this success are that we've laid the foundation for the commercial CNT industry to finally produce macroscopic CNT products that exhibit these superior properties. Such properties enable the re-design of many products in many industries.

Once our CNT synthesis technology is developed, we'll patent and then license the technology to industry leaders representing multiple sectors of CNT product manufacturing.

What are the goals of the project?

We're asking for funding to develop an environment controlled, purpose-built synthesis and experiment chamber. Our hypothesis is that the new chamber will allow for better temperature control and enhance the synthesis of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). It'll lead us to new discoveries about growing vertically aligned arrays of CNTs.

First, we will determine the results by measuring the level of vacuum and temperature stability that we can achieve. The efficacy of CNT synthesis using the new chamber will be the second proof that our hypothesis was correct. CNT synthesis will be measured by the density, length and purity of the CNTs.

We will begin within one month of receiving funding.