(Invited) 3D Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube Networks

Abstract

In the field of nanomaterials research, carbon nanotubes, proved to possess unique physicochemical properties that have been applied to improve the performance of existing processes or even design novel technologies. This paper illustrates that is possible to assemble carbon nanotubes into macroscopic self-standing structures with a distinctive isotropic three-dimensional arrangement. The final properties at the macroscopic scale take advantage of those of the individual nanoscale components and of the overall increase of active surface area. In particular, the carbon nanotubes assemblies possess good electric conductivity, and outstanding mechanical properties, enabling a much broader range of applications in energy and environmental areas than the individual carbon nanotubes. The synthesis method and the relevant structural characteristics are described, as well as the relationship between the observed microscopic properties and some potential applications.