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Recyclable and electrically conducting carbon nanotube composite films
Guifu Zou1, Menka Jain, Hao Yang
1Materials Physics and Applications Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA. gfzou@lanl.gov
Nanoscale
|July 21, 2010
Summary
Recyclable carbon nanotube (CNT) composite films were developed using a water-soluble polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI). These eco-friendly films offer good electrical conductivity and can be dissolved in water for easy collection and reuse.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Carbon nanotube (CNT) composite films offer unique properties for applications like organic light-emitting diodes.
- Concerns regarding the carcinogenicity of CNTs necessitate sustainable disposal and recycling methods.
- Recycling CNT composite films is crucial for environmental protection and resource conservation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop environmentally friendly and recyclable carbon nanotube composite films.
- To investigate the use of a benign, water-soluble polymer for CNT dispersion and film formation.
- To assess the electrical conductivity and recyclability of the developed composite films.
Main Methods:
- Dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a water-soluble polymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI).
- Preparation of homogeneous CNT composite films via a spin-coating process.
- Evaluation of water-solubility, recyclability, and electrical conductivity of the films.
Main Results:
- The prepared CNT composite films exhibit excellent water-solubility and recyclability, allowing formation and dissolution in water.
- Increased CNT concentration in the PEI matrix significantly enhances electrical conductivity.
- A maximum conductivity of 43.73 S cm(-1) was achieved at a 3% CNT concentration.
Conclusions:
- Benign, water-soluble CNT composite films can be successfully fabricated using PEI and spin-coating.
- The developed films are recyclable, addressing environmental concerns associated with CNT waste.
- These eco-friendly CNT composite films demonstrate promising electrical conductivity for various applications.
