The utilization of microwave irradiation can open alternative ways of heating and provides new possibilities in terms of developing new synthesis schemes. Microwave synthesis has been applied also for the synthesis and functionalization of carbon materials. As such microwave-assisted have been utilized in recent years e.g. for the synthesis of carbon nanofibers and nanotubes. Based on the introduced approach a number of new applications could be targeted and important studies have been carried out to better understand the advantages of utilizing microwaves for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes. Essential advantages for this area of research are based on selective heating processes which are exerted on the catalyst particles involved in the synthesis of these materials. Their good electrical conductivity and their magnetic properties result in high electrical losses and thus a strong, selective heating of these components is achieved – at the same time the surrounding environment remain at a relatively low temperature. It could be demonstrated that the synthesis of carbon nanofibers and nanotubes by microwave irradiation can be performed at temperatures of only 160 °C and in short reaction times of seconds to a few minutes. At the same time it was possible to rely only on the application of non-critical carbon sources. In dedicated studies major parameters for the fabrication of these systems could be determined. Starting from the synthesis of carbon nanofibers grafted onto different substrates, i.e., silicon or polymer supports, in recent studies the concept of the microwave-assisted synthesis of carbon nanofibers and nanotubes was transferred to other applications. We will provide an overview of developments that target the synthesis of free-standing, highly entangled films of carbon nanotubes with strong hydrophobic surface properties or the functionalization of carbon felts with carbon nanofibers for battery applications.

Microwave-assisted synthesis and functionalization of carbon materials

252nd National Meeting (2016)

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