The focus of the research is testing of an electrospray ionization platform which will be employed to deposit uniform coatings of carbon nanomaterials to large surfaces. Electrospray ionization, also known as electrohydrodynamic spray or e-spray, is a liquid atomization technique that can generate fine droplets to produce coatings with a high degree of uniformity. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene dispersions in water are particularly attractive due to their bulk processing, ease of storage, freedom for tuning the concentration, and for their potential aerospace applications. This electrospray ionization platform will be used to apply CNT films, with varying quantities of graphene that will carry a charge across non-conductive surfaces to act as a de-icing element for aircraft and spacecraft structures. The characterization methods include several measurements of surface roughness and toughness, scanning electron microscope images, surface resistance, and transmittance of the films.

Using electrospray ionization to uniformly coat surfaces with carbon nanotube solution

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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