Nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), metal oxides, and polymers, possess superior mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, lead to broad applications in composite materials, smart structures, chemical sensors, energy storage and nano-electronic devices. However, the high cost and difficulty in getting large scale, high quality nanomaterials remain challenges. We demonstrate an affordable and scalable microwave approach for the direct growth of CNT, nanostructured metal oxides/sulfides on a wide range of substrates, including powders (graphite, graphene and silicon) and fibers (carbon, glass, Kevlar, and Basalt). The microwave initiated nanomaterial growth will take less than one minute under the microwave irradiation at room temperature in the air, no need of any inert gas protection, and additional feed stock gases, usually required in CVD approach.<br/>The major hurdles towards high quality, high performance nanocomposites made by this microwave approach include: understanding the reaction mechanism; design substrate surfaces with well tuned/engineered properties, such as surface energy, functional groups and defects. Experimental approaches will be carried out to tackle the challenges mentioned above, and unveil the correlation between the nanocomposite morphologies (shape, size and interface) with the surface properties of the substrates.

Toward roll-to-roll production of nanomaterials by microwave approach

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.