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Carbon nanotubes: present and future commercial applications.
Michael F L De Volder1, Sameh H Tawfick, Ray H Baughman
1imec, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium. michael.devolder@imec.be
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 2, 2013
Summary
Global demand for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is high, with thousands of tons produced annually. CNTs are used in batteries, automotive parts, and electronics, with ongoing research for advanced applications like supercapacitors and electromagnetic shields.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Global commercial interest in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) drives production exceeding several thousand tons annually.
- Bulk CNT powders are integrated into diverse commercial products, including batteries, automotive components, sporting goods, and water filters.
- Ongoing advancements in CNT synthesis, purification, and modification facilitate their use in sophisticated applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current commercial landscape and applications of carbon nanotubes.
- To highlight the potential of CNTs in emerging technological fields.
- To assess the performance of CNT yarns and sheets in specialized applications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of commercial CNT production and applications.
- Analysis of recent advancements in CNT synthesis and modification techniques.
- Evaluation of performance data for CNT yarns and sheets in specific use cases.
Main Results:
- Carbon nanotube production capacity exceeds several thousand tons per year globally.
- CNTs are currently utilized in a wide array of commercial products, from consumer goods to industrial components.
- Emerging applications in thin-film electronics, large-area coatings, supercapacitors, actuators, and electromagnetic shielding show promising performance.
Conclusions:
- Carbon nanotubes are a significant material in current commercial markets with expanding applications.
- Despite limitations in mechanical and conductive properties for some uses, CNT yarns and sheets offer unique advantages for specialized technologies.
- Continued innovation in CNT processing will likely lead to broader adoption in high-performance applications.
