Carbon nanotube mass production: principles and processes

Zhang, Q; Huang, JQ; Zhao, MQ; Qian, WZ; Wei, F

HERO ID

1060397

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2011

Language

English

PMID

21732544

HERO ID 1060397
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2011
Title Carbon nanotube mass production: principles and processes
Authors Zhang, Q; Huang, JQ; Zhao, MQ; Qian, WZ; Wei, F
Journal ChemSusChem
Volume 4
Issue 7
Page Numbers 864-889
Abstract Our society requires new materials for a sustainable future, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are among the most important advanced materials. This Review describes the state-of-the-art of CNT synthesis, with a focus on their mass-production in industry. At the nanoscale, the production of CNTs involves the self-assembly of carbon atoms into a one-dimensional tubular structure. We describe how this synthesis can be achieved on the macroscopic scale in processes akin to the continuous tonne-scale mass production of chemical products in the modern chemical industry. Our overview includes discussions on processing methods for high-purity CNTs, and the handling of heat and mass transfer problems. Manufacturing strategies for agglomerated and aligned single-/multiwalled CNTs are used as examples of the engineering science of CNT production, which includes an understanding of their growth mechanism, agglomeration mechanism, reactor design, and process intensification. We aim to provide guidelines for the production and commercialization of CNTs. Although CNTs can now be produced on the tonne scale, knowledge of the growth mechanism at the atomic scale, the relationship between CNT structure and application, and scale-up of the production of CNTs with specific chirality are still inadequate. A multidisciplinary approach is a prerequisite for the sustainable development of the CNT industry.
Doi 10.1002/cssc.201100177
Pmid 21732544
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No