We report a simple method to fabricate macroscopic, 3-D, free standing, all-carbon scaffolds (porous structures) using multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as the initial materials. The scaffolds prepared by radical initiated thermal crosslinking, and annealing of MWCNTs possess macroscale interconnected pores, robust structural integrity, stability, and electrical conductivity. The porosity of the three-dimensional structure can be controlled by varying the amount of radical initiator, thereby allowing the design of porous scaffolds tailored towards specific potential applications. This method also allows the fabrication of 3-D scaffolds using other carbon nanomaterials such as single-walled carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, and graphene indicating that it could be used as a versatile method for 3-D assembly of carbon nanostructures with pi bond networks.
Article Fabrication and Characterization of Three-Dimensional Macros...
A recent press release and grants by DOD assert the significance of this work and the possible applications of three dimensional macroscopic all carbon structures.
"In order to apply carbon nanotube technology in macroscopic or large-scale applications, we must first synthesize and characterize a robust, structurally sound 3D carbon nanotube,” explains Suhr. While challenging, he believes a 3D architecture will make CNTs more versatile and may lead to new applications in lightweight structural materials, energy storage and thermal management. A key issue impeding their advance is joint failure. CNTs are made from an intricate arrangement of synthetic carbon atoms connected by joints. Transitioning from a one- or two-dimensional architecture to a three-dimensional architecture is fundamentally difficult because researchers must introduce atomic-scale junctions or joints between individual nanoscale elements so that they can be organized in a strong 3D network.
Led by Rice University, the $7.5 million grant from the Department of Defense (DOD) is funded through the Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative (MURI). The project includes teams of researchers from UD, Pennsylvania State University and the University of Texas, Dallas."
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2012-02-ud-3d-carbon-nanotube-architectures.html#jCp
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