Conducting Interface for Efficient Growth of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes: Towards Nano-Engineered Carbon Composite

Abstract

Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNT) are manufactured nanomaterials with excellent properties and great potential for numerous applications. Recently, research has intensified toward achieving VACNT synthesis on different planar and non-planar substrates of various natures, mainly dependent on the user-defined application. Indeed, VACNT growth has to be adjusted and optimized according to the substrate nature and shape to reach the requirements for the application envisaged. To date, different substrates have been decorated with VACNT, involving the use of diffusion barrier layers (DBLs) that are often insulating, such as SiO2 or Al2O3. These commonly used DBLs limit the conducting and other vital physico-chemical properties of the final nanomaterial composite. One interesting route to improve the contact resistance of VACNT on a substrate surface and the deficient composite properties is the development of semi-/conducting interlayers. The present review summarizes different methods and techniques for the deposition of suitable conducting interfaces and controlled growth of VACNT on diverse flat and 3-D fibrous substrates. Apart from exhibiting a catalytic efficiency, the DBL can generate a conducting and adhesive interface involving performance enhancements in VACNT composites. The abilities of different conducting interlayers are compared for VACNT growth and subsequent composite properties. A conducting interface is also emphasized for the synthesis of VACNT on carbonaceous substrates in order to produce cost-effective and high-performance nano-engineered carbon composites.

High-Performance Nanoscale Metallic Multilayer Composites: Techniques, Mechanical Properties and Applications

“…Laser metal deposition is a technique that involves the use of a laser to melt and deposit metal powders onto a substrate [84]. AACCVD is a CVD technique that involves the use of an aerosol to transport the precursor gases to the substrate, resulting in improved deposition efficiency and reduced waste [85].…”

Distribution of Iron Nanoparticles in Arrays of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes Grown by Chemical Vapor Deposition

“…They have been tested as cold cathodes for flat displays [ 3 , 4 , 5 ] and X-ray tubes [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ], tip probes in scanning probe microscopy [ 10 , 11 ], electrode materials in supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries [ 12 , 13 , 14 ], elements of biochemical sensors [ 15 , 16 ], and THz absorbers [ 17 ]. Recent reviews summarize the progress in the synthesis of vertically aligned CNTs [ 18 ] and their use in various fields [ 19 ], including biomedical applications [ 20 ].…”